Home range behaviour in male and female poison frogs in Amazonian Peru (Dendrobatidae: Ranitomeya reticulata)

The poison frog Ranitomeya reticulata was studied for 3 months while mark–recapture surveys were performed. Ranitomeya species deposit terrestrial clutches and carry tadpoles to phytotelmata with few taxa performing biparental brood care including larval feeding. Home range size and spatial affinity to phytotelmata in the genus are linked to mating systems. In R. reticulata, individual home range size and overlap were similar in both sexes, indicating equal levels of site fidelity. Although territory defence was never observed, strong intrasexual intolerance within individuals' core areas was found. The large intersexual home range overlap for breeding pairs indicated that mate fidelity occurs. Individuals' home ranges were not overlapping, suggesting that R. reticulata lacks pair-bonding or strongly cooperative behaviour in parental duties. The number of ground bromeliads containing phytotelmata and home range size of males were positively correlated. Our findings suggest that females do not perform egg-feeding and male-only parental care is likely.     

Comparison of natural histories and karyotypes of two closely related ant‐eating spiders,Zodarion hamatum and Z. italicum (Araneae,Zodariidae)

Based on morphological characters, two species of the genus Zodarion, Z. hamatum and Z. italicum, were placed into the italicum group. The aim of this study was to evaluate similarity of these two species in respect of various aspects of their natural history and karyotypes. Both species had similar phenological patterns, being univoltine, but some specimens reached adulthood the same year before winter. Both representatives had nocturnal activity and were able to capture various ant species. Zodarion hamatum seems to be specialized on Myrmicinae ants, and Z. italicum on Formicinae ants. Zodarion hamatum showed more agile predatory behaviour than Z. italicum presumably due to specialization on Myrmicinae ants, which have lower population density. Both species are generalized mimics of bicoloured (orange‐dark brown) ants, such as Lasius emarginatus; they performed similar courtship and mating. The two study species exhibited contrasting reproductive strategies. Zodarion hamatum spiders had higher fecundity than Z. italicum as a result of larger body size but Z. italicum had larger eggs than Z. hamatum. This is presumably an adaptation to different availability of prey ants. Both species had the same diploid chromosome number, sex chromosome system and pattern of X chromosome heteropycnosis in testes. Results support a very close relationship between these two Zodarion species.     

Field and laboratory observations on reproductive aspects of Pseudopaludicola ameghini (Cope, 1887) (Leptodactylidae: Leiuperinae)

ABSTRACT

The genus Pseudopaludicola includes small-sized anurans, widely distributed throughout South America. Twenty-three out of the 25 species occur in Brazil. Although described more than a century ago, from mid-southern Mato Grosso state, central Brazil, Pseudopaludicola ameghini is poorly known. Here we describe the characteristics of reproductive site, amplexus, egg-laying behaviour, eggs and tadpoles of P. ameghini based on specimens and observations performed in the vicinities of the type locality. Pairs of P. ameghini reproduce in shallow and slow groundwater established on hydromorphic terrains, in open environments amidst the Brazilian Cerrado savanna. Reproductive activity occurred between 17:00 and 21:00 h at two sites studied from December 2013 to April 2014. Amplexus is axillary. Eggs are spherical, with a mean diameter of 5.1 mm (yolk plus jelly envelope). Oviposition occurs in shallow sites at a depth of nearly 2.0 cm. Females deposit their eggs one at a time, directly onto sediment at the bottom of waterbodies or attached to submerged vegetation. The tadpole body is oval in dorsal view and globular/depressed in lateral view; eyes are large and dorsally positioned. Nares are large, round, with a small apophysis on marginal rim, dorsally positioned, near the eyes. The spiracle is short, with posterodorsal opening. The oral disc is anteroventral, emarginated laterally, with one dorsal and two ventral gaps; the tooth row formula is 2(2)/2(1), and the upper jaw sheath is ‘arc’ shaped. Pseudopaludicola ameghini has a unique behaviour of oviposition among members of the genus. The differences in reproductive pattern and larval characteristics of P. mystacalis and P. ameghini reinforce the taxonomic validity of the latter, questioned until recently.     

Anurans of Turvo State Park: testing the validity of Seasonal Forest as a new biome in Brazil

The composition of the anuran community of Turvo State Park was compared with that of other localities of Mesophytic semideciduous Forest, aiming to test the hypothesis that localities situated nearest the Misiones nucleus support the new phytogeographic unit, known as Tropical Seasonal Forests Region. In total 32 amphibian species were recorded in the park area and surroundings: Anura, 30 native species and one exotic; Gymnophiona, one species. The ordination among the 20 localities of Seasonal Forest showed the formation of three groups with 45% similarity: group 1, composed of localities of south-eastern and central western regions; group 2, composed of the localities of the transitional portion with the Atlantic Forest sensu stricto and group 3, composed of the southern localities. The consolidation of the second group, which includes the occurrence of endemic species, supports the proposal of a new phytogeographic unit.     

The reproductive ecology of Leptodactylus fuscus (Anura,Leptodactylidae): new data from natural temporary ponds in the Brazilian Cerrado and a review throughout its distribution

Recent studies indicate that populations historically called Leptodactylus fuscus (Schneider, 1799) comprise at least three well‐differentiated lineages. Herein, we describe the reproductive ecology of a southeastern clade population of L. fuscus, and review the characters of the reproductive ecology for several populations of the northern and southeastern clades. Most reproductive activity occurred in December and January, which coincided with the highest rainfall period. Males had an aggregated spatial distribution in the central area of the ponds. Three courtship interactions were observed. A female was observed closing the entrance to a burrow with moist sand after oviposition. This behaviour is described for the first time in L. fuscus. The review of the reproductive biology of the northern and southeastern clades indicates a relatively high plasticity in L. fuscus. Furthermore, the results corroborate the suggestion, based on molecular data, that the northern and southeastern clades of L. fuscus represent distinct evolutionary units.     

The systematic position of the tribe Stenodemini (Heteroptera: Cimicomorpha: Miridae: Mirinae) in the light of the male internal reproductive system

The study focuses on the morphology and ultrastructure of the male reproductive system of 13 Hemiptera species representing the tribes Stenodemini and Pithanini: Acetropis carinata, Dolichomiris linearis, Leptopterna dolabrata, L. ferrugata, Megaloceroea recticornis, Notostira elongata, N. erratica, Stenodema (Brachystira) calcarata, Stenodema (Stenodema) holsata, S. (S.) laevigata, Trigonotylus caelestialium, T. pulchellus and Myrmecoris gracilis. The study also embraces three species which belong to the tribe Mirini, and play the role of an out-group in the conducted analyses. These species are: Adelphocoris seticornis, Calocoris affinis and Lygus rugulipennis. On the basis of total preparations, cross and longitudinal sections, we have studied the number of testicular follicles, their dimensions, types of connections between follicles and vas deferens, the structure of vasa deferentia, as well as the number, structure and origin of accessory glands. The above-listed features have provided complementary information, alongside morphological features, helpful in verifying the taxonomic position of the tribe Stenodemini.     

Reproductive patterns of Trachycephalus venulosus (Laurenti, 1768) and Scinax fuscovarius (Lutz, 1925) from the Cerrado,Central Brazil

Animal mating systems are moulded by ecological factors, mainly the temporal patterns of reproduction. We report the reproductive period, use of microhabitats, clutch and egg sizes, reproductive efforts, occurrence of sexual size dimorphism, and the relation between body size and fecundity in the gravid females of Trachycephalus venulosus and Scinax fuscovarius at Serra da Bodoquena, Central Brazil. The reproduction of both species was correlated with the rainy season. Females of T. venulosus produced more eggs and their eggs were larger than those of S. fuscovarius. The females of both species were larger and heavier than males. The reproductive effort was measured as the ratio of gonad mass in relation to body mass. Females of both species presented similar reproductive efforts, but males of S. fuscovarius invested more in gonads compared to males of T. venulosus. Trachycephalus venulosus presented significant correlation between snout–vent length versus number of mature eggs and body mass versus number of mature eggs and ovarian mass. Scinax fuscovarius showed significant correlation between body mass versus ovarian mass. Trachycephalus venulosus is an explosive breeder, whereas S. fuscovarius has prolonged reproduction. These species are able to adapt to several types of habitat, due to behavioural and physiological plasticity.     

Life cycle and population structure of the terrestrial isopod Hemilepistus klugii (Brandt, 1833) (Isopoda: Oniscidea) in Iran

The life cycle and population structure of Hemilepistus klugii were studied in a population in Varamin, Iran. The population was sampled monthly (or fortnightly during the breeding season) from February 2008 to June 2009 and a total of 7015 individuals, comprising 1069 males, 1079 females and 4867 juveniles, were collected. As in other Hemilepistus species, five distinct phenophases, namely pair formation, gestation, hatching, growth and stationary, were recorded during the life cycle of H. klugii. The overall sex ratio was 1 : 1 but varied over time. Ovigerous females were observed only in April, indicating a seasonal and very short breeding period. With a short lifespan after breeding, females demonstrated true semelparity. The mean cephalothorax width for ovigerous/post-ovigerous females was higher in 2008 than in 2009. These females attained the largest size in the population throughout the year. The number of eggs per female ranged from 28 to 147 (mean ± SE, 78 ± 1.8). There was a positive correlation between female size and fecundity. Recruitment occurred in late April and resulted in the highest population density in this month, whereas the lowest densities were observed during November to January. Despite a high percentage of ovigerous females carrying undeveloped eggs (72.3%), intramarsupial mortality was low (3.5%).     

Reproductive behaviour of Physalaemus kroyeri (Anura: Leiuperidae) in the municipality of Jequié, state of Bahia

From August 2010 to April 2011 we surveyed two different areas, located in the municipality of Jequié, State of Bahia, to obtain information about the reproductive biology of Physalaemus kroyeri. Data on the spatial and temporal distribution of P. kroyeri were recorded. Physalaemus kroyeri may be classified as a prolonged breeder with a reproductive period linked to rainfall. The average number of eggs in the foam nest of P. kroyeri is one of the highest recorded for the genus. Our results are coincident with the known reproductive behaviour of congeneric species and may be viewed as reproductive adaptations to open and highly seasonal environments.     

Are there costs to extended larval transport in the Trinidadian stream frog,Mannophryne trinitatis (Dendrobatidae)?

Previous work has shown that male Mannophryne trinitatis (Dendrobatidae) carry their larvae on their backs for up to 4 days in search of a predator‐free pool in which to deposit them. The experiments reported here investigated whether costs to the larvae or to the adults limit transport duration. We simulated transport durations of 0, 4, 8, and 12 days for larvae, but found no deterioration in terms of ability to grow to metamorphosis; indeed, 12‐day larvae grew better than all the others. After 8 days of simulated transport, larvae had used up all their yolk reserves and begun to lose dry weight. Larvae on wet substrates gained wet weight and length but on drier substrates merely maintained weight, suggesting that dehydration could be a problem on the male's back. In a trial of locomotor performance (mean jump length; number of jumps to traverse a runway), females performed best with calling males not significantly different from transporting males, despite an average larval load equivalent to 15–20% of the frog's mass. Assessment of gut contents showed that females foraged more than males, but that transporting males foraged as much as did calling males. We found no differences between the three classes of adult frogs in fat body weight.     

Breeding biology and population structure of the intertidal crab Petrolisthes laevigatus (Anomura: Porcellanidae) in central-southern Chile

The present study describes the seasonal reproductive cycle and population structure of the porcellanid crab Petrolisthes laevigatus, a typical inhabitant of the rocky intertidal. A total of 960 individuals (including 372 females) was collected in monthly samples from October 1993 to December 1994 in central-southern Chile. Ovigerous females were present between August and December, and were absent between January and July. The breeding season started during late winter (August), and females with embryos close to hatching occurred between October and end of spring (December). Considering the gonadosomatic index and the duration of the incubation period, it is concluded that P. laevigatus has a markedly seasonal breeding period with probably two successive spawnings per female per season. Our results compared with previous studies in temperate intertidal porcellanids suggest a lower structural variability of the population during the sampling period, but a pronounced seasonal variation in both sex ratio and abundance. The influence of environmental habitat conditions (i.e. temperature) is suggested to be responsible for the lower variation in the crab population size structure in ovigerous females, and the almost constant size distribution observed in males.