Between fruits, flowers and nectar: The extraordinary diet of the frog Xenohyla truncata

Autor(es)

de-Oliveira-Nogueira, Carlos Henrique ; Souza, Ubirata Ferreira ; Machado, Thaynara Mendes ; Figueiredo-de-Andrade, Caio Antonio ; Monico, Alexander Tamanini ; Sazima, Ivan ; Sazima, Marlies ; Toledo, Luis Felipe

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: FOOD WEBS; v. 35, p. 4-pg., 2023-06-01.

Resumo

Pollination and seed dispersal are determinants for plant survivorship. Among land vertebrates, mammals and birds stand out in these relationships with plants. On the other hand, frogs are not expected to play a role in these interactions, as nearly all species are carnivorous (mostly insectivorous) after metamorphosis. However, one species attracts attention: Xenohyla truncata, which includes plant parts on its natural diet. Recently, we observed unexpected interactions between this Neotropical treefrog and plants in their native range. The frog fed on different plant parts, consuming fruits, floral structures and nectar with suction-like movements, and we observed pollen grains adhered to the frog's back, which renders this treefrog as a potential pollinator, besides its already established role as seed disperser. Nectar ingestion during the reproductive season could benefit individuals under high energetic demand. This is a unique and outstanding example of unforeseen interactions between amphibians and plants. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 16/25358-3 - O fungo quitrídio no Brasil: da sua origem às suas consequências
• Beneficiário: Luis Felipe de Toledo Ramos Pereira
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Temático
• Processo FAPESP: 19/18335-5 - Transporte aéreo passivo de um patógeno letal para anfíbios em áreas de elevadas: aplicações práticas para conservação de UCs do estado de São Paulo
• Beneficiário: Luis Felipe de Toledo Ramos Pereira
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Programa BIOTA - Regular