Diet, reproductive biology, and ecological interactions of Fritziana goeldii (Anura: Hemiphractidae)

Abstract

Aspects of the diet, reproduction, and interactions with other taxa are reported for the egg-brooding tree frog, Fritziana goeldii, an endemic phytotelma-dwelling species from southeastern Brazil. A total of 56 frogs (48 males; 8 females) was collected between December 2018 and November 2019. A total of 218 dietary items, representing at least 28 taxa was recovered. Hymenoptera and Coleoptera were the most abundant, mainly early in the year (January–April), with Formicidae being the most represented group. Parasitic interactions with ostracods and helminths were observed in 12 and 13 frogs, respectively, with most of these organisms being found in the intestines of F. goeldii. Fritziana goeldii is sexually dimorphic, with females (mean 36.0 mm) being larger than males (mean 28.3 mm). All females collected had oocytes, and two also had eggs attached to the dorsum. No relation was found between the female’s size and size and number of oocytes. The reproduction of F. goeldii seems to be prolonged, with males calling throughout the year.

New records of phoresy of Elpidium (Ostracoda: Limnocytheridae) by anurans in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

“…Bromelicolous species do not reproduce in bromeliads, whereas bromeligenous species utilize bromeliads for reproduction (Peixoto 1995). Many species of anurans are known to transport Elpidium (Lopez et al 2005, Colombo et al 2008, Sabagh et al 2011, 2014, Lantyer-Silva et al 2016, Araújo et al 2019, Moroti et al 2019, Guarabyra et al 2021.…”