Reproductive aspects of Leptodactytus hylaedactylus (Anura: Leptodactylidae), a member of the Leptodactylus marmoratus species group,with a description of tadpoles and calls

In this paper we describe some aspects of the reproductive biology of Leptodactylus hylaedactylus from open areas of Central Amazonia, Brazil. We describe the calling site, reproductive season, daily pattern of calling activity, chamber structure, vocalizations and tadpole morphology. Males of Leptodactylus hylaedactylus called amidst grasses and bushes in open and urban areas, throughout the year, and a greater number of males were heard in the period from 16:00 to 20:00 h. The eggs are deposited in underground chambers, which are spherical or elliptical. Larval development occurs inside the chambers. Two types of vocalizations were detected, the advertisement and the territorial call. The advertisement call of the species studied herein differs from other calls described for L. hylaedactylus from other localities of Brazil, but is very similar to that described from Peru. Tadpole morphology is similar to that described from individuals in French Guiana.     

The vocal repertoire of Myrmeciza loricata (Lichtenstein, 1823) (Aves: Thamnophilidae)

The vocal repertoire is a tool that can be used to support systematics, conservation, ecology and behavioural studies. We characterize the acoustic parameters of the vocal repertoire of the white-bibbed antbird (Myrmeciza loricata) and describe the possible functions of each vocalization. The male’s song is related to territorial defence, and we found three calls in the repertoire. Call I is an alarm call, and call II is used for mutual recognition and remaining in contact with one another. Call III was emitted when the animals were foraging and when the individuals of the couple were very near to each other. Males and females sing as a duet, and their songs were individually distinct. The duet is possibly related to maintaining the pair bond, synchronizing breeding and warning potential intruders of the mated condition of the pair. This work is the first to describe the vocal repertoire of the white-bibbed antbird.     

Vocalization and territorial behaviour of Phyllomedusa nordestina Caramaschi, 2006 (Anura: Hylidae) from southern Bahia,Brazil

Territoriality is common among amphibians with a prolonged breeding season and can be expressed through the defence of territories with vocalizations and aggressive interactions. The present study aims to describe the territorial behaviour of male Phyllomedusa nordestina, test whether the physical characteristics of males influence the results of disputes, and describe the vocalizations of the species. The study was conducted at temporary and permanent ponds located in the Ecological Reserve Michelin, Igrapiúna, Bahia, Brazil. Male P. nordestina defended territories and showed aggressive behaviour, consisting of vocal disputes, chasing and physical fighting. Winners were not bigger, heavier, or in better condition than the losers. The victory may be associated with the vocalization activity. Three types of vocalizations were recorded: the advertisement call, composed of one or two multipulsed notes, and two types of territorial calls. We also report on male patrolling behaviour and habitat use.     

Breeding behaviour of Bokermannohyla nanuzae (Anura: Hylidae) at an Atlantic Forest site in southeastern Brazil

We studied the breeding activities of Bokermannohyla nanuzae at an Atlantic Forest site in southeastern Brazil from August 2010 to April 2012. We described courtship behaviour, acoustic parameters of calls, egg clutch features and the egg-laying site, and characterized the reproductive mode. We recorded calling males and gravid females almost year-round, except for a few months in the dry season. We observed the interaction of five male–female pairs that exhibited stereotyped behavioural sequences including visual and tactile signals. We identified three different types of calls that we considered as the advertisement call and two types of courtship calls. Egg clutches were placed in rocky crevices with water or in streamside puddles, among rocks, that would be likely to be flooded as stream water level raises, which characterizes a reproductive mode different from the one previously recognized for this species. The breeding biology of B. nanuzae is complex, with elaborate courtship behaviour and signalling.     

Reproductive behaviour and development dynamics of Odontophrynus cordobae (Anura,Cycloramphidae)

We provide detailed information on breeding sites, release call, satellite behaviour, courtship, and embryonic and larval development of Odontophrynus cordobae. Field observations were carried out during two breeding seasons (2004–2005 and 2008–2009). Clutches were raised in captivity (artificial ponds) to analyse the development of embryos and tadpoles. Breeding sites were represented by streams and their backwaters, as well as temporary and permanent ponds of varying sizes. Operational sex ratio was male-biased varying between 0.154 and 0.25. Acoustic activity started about 8–10 pm and ended between 2 and 4 am the next day. Distance among calling males was approximately three metres. Male satellite behaviour was observed. Amplexus attempts among males were common. Release calls were structurally similar although shorter than advertisement calls. Courtship and formation of amplexus were documented.     

Spatial and temporal organization in three syntopic species of the Scinax ruber group (Anura: Hylidae) in the Atlantic rainforest,southeastern Brazil

Coexistence of anuran species might lead to acoustic interference among communications, especially where species are closely related. This problem might be minimized through resource partitioning. To test this idea, we analysed calling with respect to temporal and physical space usage in three syntopic, closely related species (Scinax cuspidatus, Scinax aff. hayii and Scinax aff. x-signatus) in a temporary pond in the Atlantic rainforest. The chorus attendance of each species resulted from a different combination of factors in the rainy season. Although there was some temporal overlap of daily activity among species, peak activity time differed, particularly between the two species whose calls were most similar. Although all three species tend to aggregate in open microhabitats, their coexistence is apparently facilitated by differential use of vertical strata and organization of calling sites near the sites of conspecifics. Together, these factors apparently reduce acoustic interference among heterospecific calls.     

Acoustic ecology of an anuran assemblage in the arid Caatinga of northeastern Brazil

Differences in advertisement calls and calling sites are important mechanisms that regulate interactions in anuran assemblages. Individuals might have preferences for ranges of acoustic parameters and calling sites that reduce overlap and ensure coexistence. Herein, acoustic and ecological data were used to investigate the relationships among 12 anurans that co-occur in temporary ponds in the Caatinga, Cabaceiras municipality, Paraíba state, Brazil. Anurans exhibited calling activity correlated with rainfall, but were also spatially dispersed. High overlap levels in calling microhabitats and acoustic parameters were observed, especially among pairs of closely related species. Analysis of null models showed a lack of structure in the spatial and acoustic niche, indicating the lack of detected competition. Results suggest that the calling activity of the species is strongly influenced by rainfall, moreover, the temporal partition appears to ensure coexistence. Finally, strong historical effects were detected in Leiuperinae, Leptodactylidae and in the partition Hylidae–Leptodactyliformes.     

The advertisement calls of three South American poison frogs (Amphibia: Anura: Dendrobatidae), with comments on their taxonomy and distribution

The advertisement calls of three species of dendrobatid frogs from Bolivia and Peru are described. For each species we present a characteristic audiospectogram and oscillogram. We also provide numerical information about the spectral and temporal features of the calls. Our recordings of these species are compared with previously described calls of the same species from other locations. Comparisons between the calls of three different populations of Colostethus from Peru and Bolivia support their conspecificity. Characteristics of the call of a Peruvian population of Epipedobates differ from those of E. hahneli, suggesting that further taxonomic research is needed. The distribution of the genus Colostethus and Epipedobates in Bolivia is reassessed.     

Advertisement calls of Neotropical poison frogs (Amphibia: Dendrobatidae) of the genera Colostethus,Dendrobates and Epipedobates,with notes on dendrobatid call classification

The advertisement calls of the following Neotropical poison frog species (Dendrobatidae) are described: Colostethus brunneus, Dendrobates imitator yurimaguensis, D. leucomelas and two populations referable to Epipedobates boulengeri. Oscillograms, audiospectrograms and measurements of vocalizations are provided. Advertisement calls of C. brunneus are similar to possible related species, while D. leucomelas vocalizations deviate from suggested phylogenetic relatives. Advertisement calls of D. imitator yurimaguensis do not differ from those of D. i. imitator ; the validity of the former is doubted. Bioacoustics provide evidence that E. boulengeri could probably comprise a complex of at least two species. Five formerly suggested call types are re-defined using measurable characters. As far as possible, the 71 dendrobatid frog species for which advertisement calls have been described are allocated.     

A new,sibling, tree frog from Jerusalem (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae)∗

A new, sibling, species of tree frog of the Hyla arborea group is described from Jerusalem and the adjacent Judean hills. Hyla heinzsteinitzi sp. n. differs from the sympatric common H. savignyi of the Middle East in head shape, as the head is relatively wider and the snout more truncate; in call structure, as in each segment of its advertisement call the energy peaks abruptly near the segment's onset; and in colouration, as its dark lateral band is highly disrupted. In at least one of the H. heinzsteinitzi populations the frogs' green‐phase colour is turquoise rather than green. The distinction of the two species is demonstrable by Principal Coordinate Analysis. Hyla heinzsteinitzi seems to be endemic to a small area within the range of distribution of H. savignyi; here the two are sympatric and at least sometimes apparently syntopic. The ecological relations of the two are unknown. The new species is probably endangered.     

Integrative taxonomic analysis reveals a new species of Leptobrachium (Anura: Megophryidae) from north-eastern Cambodia and central Vietnam

ABSTRACT

Species boundaries within the red-eyed Leptobrachium of southern Indochina have been uncertain. Leptobrachium pullum and L. mouhoti from upper and lower elevations, respectively, of the Langbian Plateau of southern Vietnam and eastern Cambodia differ in body size but have relatively low interspecific mitochondrial DNA divergence, leading to speculation that these might represent a single species with an elevational cline in body size. The recent discovery of an allopatric high-elevation population of red-eyed Leptobrachium on the Kon Tum Plateau (= Central Highlands) of north-eastern Cambodia and central Vietnam has been referred to both species, and to a putatively undescribed species. We examine variation in morphology of adults and tadpoles, mitochondrial DNA, 11 nuclear genes and advertisement calls, and show corroborating lines of evidence for the existence of three species of red-eyed Leptobrachium in southern Indochina. Although the three species are reciprocally monophyletic in mitochondrial DNA, their shallow mitochondrial DNA divergences are not mirrored by morphology, advertisement calls, or – in part – nuclear DNA, and probably reflect past mitochondrial introgression rather than recent speciation. The Central Highlands taxon is described herein as a new species.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:CE6650AF-D9FB-40F4-8A2E-9B4E23AAC205     

The bioacoustics of the burrowing frog Heleioporus (Leptodactylidae)

Summary

The frog Heleioporus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) calls from a burrow. This paper examines the acoustic properties of the burrow by experimentally actuating plaster casts taken from five species: H. eyrei, H. psammophilus, H. albopunctatus, H. inornatus and H. barycragus. These findings are correlated with the properties of both natural calls of the frogs from the burrow and calls induced from the frog outside of the burrow. The morphology of the burrow enhances the principal frequency component of the call by resonance. Frogs call from a slight bulge beneath the burrow entrance. This calling site corresponds to the optimum position for generating a sound pressure maximum within the burrow. This was determined experimentally in an artificially constructed burrow with a complex internal sound source. In addition to optimizing the acoustic properties of the burrow the frog, in this position, has an open visual field from the burrow entrance. We conclude that the burrow system may compensate for the lack of a vocal sac in these frogs.     

Bio-sketches and partitioning of sympatric reed frogs,genus Hyperolius (Amphibia; Hyperoliidae), in two humid tropical African forest regions

Sympatric reed frog species were studied in Gabon (Monts Cristal: Hyperolius mosaicus, H. pardalis, H. tuberculatus) and Kenya (Kakamega Forest: Hyperolius acuticeps, H. cf. cinnamomeoventris, H. kivuensis, H. lateralis, H. viridiflavus). For each taxon, a standardized diagnosis covering 11 aspects of adult and in part tadpole morphology as well as the sequence of a 560 bp fragment of mitochondrial DNA of the 16S ribosomal gene are provided. In addition, behavioural data are given for each species including measurable parameters of advertisement calls. The Monts Cristal Hyperolius species clearly differ in their spatial arrangement through the choice of breeding site. Hyperolius species at the Kakamega Forest share the same breeding sites but in part differ in their activity pattern throughout the year. Advertisement calls of sympatric species in both regions mainly differ in temporal parameters.     

New freshwater interstitial Otoplanidae (Platyhelminthes: Proseriata) from the Paraná and Uruguay rivers,South America

This study describes two new freshwater otoplanid species (Platyhelminthes, Proseriata), Itaspiella parana n. sp. and Philosyrtis rauli n. sp., from interstitial habitats of the middle Paraná river (Argentina) and lower Uruguay river (Uruguay), respectively. Kata sp. from the Uruguay river is briefly characterized. This is the first report of otoplanids from freshwater environments of South America. The studied areas are particular biotopes. At present, only a few studies on the turbellarian fauna and its ecology have been carried out in the Paraná river and the records presented here are the first for the Uruguay river. The main difference between other known otoplanid species and Itaspiella parana, Philosyrtis rauli and Kata sp. is their ecological characterization. Until now the family Otoplanidae was known only from marine environments, with a few exceptions.     

Reproductive behaviour of the glass frog Hyalinobatrachium cappellei (Anura: Centrolenidae) in the Southern Amazon

Frog species of the Centrolenidae family exhibit a high variation in reproductive behaviours. Herein we describe the reproductive, ecological, acoustic and behavioural features of Hyalinobatrachium cappellei in Southern Amazon. Two hypotheses were also evaluated: (1) are ecological characteristics of the reproductive site related to male size and quantity of eggs and clutches? And (2) do males with one or more existing clutches at reproductive sites accumulate more new clutches than those males initially without them? This study was conducted at two streams, with sampling at 1 km each in Southern Amazon. Species reproduction occurred during the wet season and was considered prolonged breeding. Although male vocalization occurred on both the upper and underside of leaves, clutches were most often deposited on the underside of leaves. Males emitted a courtship call upon female approach. The process of female approach until oviposition lasted approximately eight hours. After oviposition, females left the breeding site while males remained near the clutch, covering it with the belly in ventral brooding behaviour. Thus, egg attendance is reported for the first time for this species. No intraspecific or interspecific aggressive behaviour was recorded. There was no relationship between habitat characteristics of the reproductive sites and male size, number of eggs and clutches. However, after 10 days of monitoring, we found evidences that parental males had a higher number of clutches than those males initially without clutches. Similar to other glass frog species, the behavioural characteristics of H. cappellei make this species an excellent model to use in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of parental care and the importance of egg attendance for offspring survival. Therefore, these data contribute towards a better understanding of the complex phylogenetic and biogeographic relationships between centrolenid lineages.     

New species of Porphyrochroa Melander (Diptera: Empididae) from Paraná, Brazil and key to Brazilian species from southern and south-eastern Brazil

Two new species of Porphyrochroa Melander are described from Paraná, Porphyrochroa atlantica and Porphyrochroa sierra. A new record is also made for Porphyrochroa pacaraima Mendonça, Rafael and Ale-Rocha, from Mato Grosso state. Drawings of the male genitalia are provided. A key to Brazilian species from southern and south-eastern Brazil is presented.     

Advertisement call variation in the Arizona tree frog, Hyla wrightorum Taylor, 1938

Advertisement call variation and male mating success was investigated in a population of the Arizona tree frog, Hyla wrightorum , from central Arizona. Dominant frequency of advertisement calls was significantly correlated (negatively) with male snout-vent length. Males found mating were not significantly larger than nonmating males, nor was there a significant correlation between sizes of males and females found in amplexus. These results are discussed in relation to Renaud's (1977) work with H. wrightorum and in light of recent work with anurans in general.