Vocalizations and reproductive behaviour in the smith frog, Hyla faber Wied (Amphibia: Hylidae)

Abstract

Vocalizations and reproductive behaviour of Hyla faber were studied for five months at Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil. Advertisement, distress calls, and two types of territorial vocalizations of adult Hyla faber are described and figured for the first time. One of the territorial calls and the distress call were variable in pulse repetition rate, frequency and duration, and may represent graded territorial and distress communication systems. Hyla faber males built nests for egg deposition and defended territories from other males. Males called from inside the nests till a female approached. Males then left the nests and guided the females to them. Females inspected the nests before amplexus occurred. While in amplexus, females renovated the nests. Tadpoles showed gregarious behaviour inside the nest and stayed there until approximately stage 25. Parental nest guarding was not observed. © 1988, Brill. All rights reserved.