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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

The reproductive biology of Hypsiboas punctatus (Anura: Hylidae): male territoriality and the possible role of different signals during female choice

Author(s):
Brunetti, Andres E. [1, 2] ; Taboada, Carlos [2] ; Faivovich, Julian [3, 2]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Buenos Aires, Fac Ciencias Exactas & Nat, Dept Quim Organ, RA-1428 Buenos Aires, DF - Argentina
[2] Consejo Nacl Invest Cient & Tecn, Museo Argentino Ciencias Nat Bernardino Bernardin, Div Herpetol, Buenos Aires, DF - Argentina
[3] Univ Buenos Aires, Fac Ciencias Exactas & Nat, Dept Biodiversidad & Biol Expt, Buenos Aires, DF - Argentina
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: SALAMANDRA; v. 50, n. 4, p. 215-224, DEC 30 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

Anuran amphibians are known to employ acoustic signals as the principal form to access potential mates, while recent studies have highlighted the importance of multiple cues during courtship. Hypsiboas punctatus is a hylid species in which males emit advertisement calls and have sexually dimorphic skin glands (SDSGs). However, knowledge on the reproductive biology of this species is very limited. We present the first systematic field-observational study on the behaviour of H. punctatus, which was complemented by observations under laboratory-controlled conditions. Males exhibit a territorial behaviour as is evidenced by site fidelity, aggressiveness against male intruders (usually involving fights), and signalling behaviour. We found that female choice would be operating at two different levels, which we defined as Initial Exploration (I.E.) and Proximate Exploration (P.E.). These levels would be guided by acoustic signals in I.E., while tactile and/or chemical signals (considering the presence of SDSGs) would be more important in P.E. We also provide descriptions of vocal interaction between males, amplexus, and egg clutch. We suggest that SDSGs located at the mental gland may be important in delivering sexual pheromones to the female during amplexus. Finally, our results are compared to similar behaviours that have been described for related species, and discussed in terms of the probable existence of multimodal communication. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/10000-5 - A multi-disciplinary approach to the study of amphibian diversification
Grantee:Taran Grant
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
FAPESP's process: 13/50741-7 - Diversity and conservation of Brazilian amphibians
Grantee:Célio Fernando Baptista Haddad
Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants