White's tree frog is a species of tree frog native to Australia and New Guinea, with introduced populations in New Zealand and the United States. The species belongs to the genus Litoria, and is physiologically similar with some other species of the genus; particularly the magnificent tree frog and the giant tree frog. White's tree frog is a large species compared with most Australian frogs, reaching 10 centimetres in length. The average lifespan of the species in captivity, about 16 years, is long in comparison with most frogs. White's tree frogs are docile and well suited to living near human dwellings. They can be heard calling in downpipes and tanks throughout their region, and are often found on windows or inside houses, eating insects drawn by the light. Due to its physical and behavioural traits, White's tree frog has become one of the most recognisable frogs in its region and a popular exotic pet throughout the world. The skin secretions of the frog have antibacterial and antiviral properties that may prove to be useful to the pharmaceutical industry.

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_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1810: Napoleon divorced Empress Joséphine, his childless first wife. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9phine_de_Beauharnais)

1929: Belgian artist Hergé created Tintin, a fictional character who went on to be published in over 200 million comic books in 40 languages. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Adventures_of_Tintin)

1946: The first General Assembly of the United Nations opened in London. Fifty-one member states were represented. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly)

_____________________ Wikiquote of the day:

Know that however ugly the parts appear the whole remains beautiful... ... the wholeness of life and things, the divine beauty of the universe. Love that, not man Apart from that, or else you will share man's pitiful confusions, or drown in despair when his days darken. -- Robinson Jeffers -- (http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Robinson_Jeffers)