Golden stripes run down its back like painted lines on wet stone. That is the southern bell frog also known as the growling grass frog for its distinctive deep call. It reaches up to eleven centimetres in length making it one of the largest frogs in New Zealand. Bright green colouration with gold lateral stripes provides camouflage amongst aquatic vegetation. Whariki. The Māori name applies to this introduced species. European settlers brought the southern bell frog to New Zealand in the late nineteenth century likely from Australia. It established populations in central and southern regions where climate conditions suited its requirements. Unlike native frogs which are restricted to specific habitats this species thrives in modified environments. The frog inhabits permanent water bodies with dense vegetation. It prefers still or slow-flowing water in wetlands ponds and irrigation channels. Breeding occurs in spring and summer when males produce loud growling calls from vegetation. Eggs are laid in large masses attached to submerged plants. Tadpoles develop rapidly metamorphosing into froglets within months. Diet consists of insects spiders worms and small vertebrates. The southern bell frog is an opportunistic feeder that consumes almost anything it can swallow. This generalist diet allows it to thrive in agricultural landscapes where native specialists struggle. It competes directly with native frogs for food and breeding sites. Classified as Introduced the southern bell frog faces management efforts aimed at preventing further spread. While eradication is unlikely containment strategies focus on protecting remaining native frog habitats from colonisation. The threat to native ecosystems is significant. Native frogs have no defence against this aggressive competitor. Conservation efforts work to maintain biosecurity barriers and monitor populations to prevent expansion into regions where native frogs still persist.