Downie, J.R., Walsh, P. and Langhorne, C. (2008) Asymmetric larval competition between two species of neotropical foam-nesting frogs: Leptodactylus fuscus and Engystomops pustulosus. Journal of Natural History, 42(31 and), pp. 2151-2159. (doi: 10.1080/00222930802140178)
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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00222930802140178
Abstract
Larval competition was investigated in foam-nesting frogs with contrasting breeding strategies. Leptodactylus fuscus nests in burrows with moderate numbers of large eggs, mainly on dry nights; Engystomops pustulosus makes floating nests with large numbers of small eggs, mainly on wet nights. Both use the same temporary pools in open habitat over an extended breeding season. Larval growth to metamorphosis was assessed in a semi-natural experiment and in the laboratory. Tanks contained either single species or equal numbers of both species. Inter-specific competition was asymmetric; L. fuscus survived as well as or better in competition with E. pustulosus than in intra-specific competition. Leptodactylus fuscus attained larger sizes with E. pustulosus present. In interspecific competition E. pustulosus showed worse survival and grew slower and to a smaller size. Outdoors, both species tolerated water temperatures that often rose to 42°C and reached metamorphosis in very short times: 14 days after oviposition in L. fuscus and 17 days in E. pustulosus.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Downie, Professor Roger |
Authors: | Downie, J.R., Walsh, P., and Langhorne, C. |
Subjects: | Q Science > QL Zoology Q Science > QH Natural history |
College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences |
Journal Name: | Journal of Natural History |
ISSN: | 0022-2933 |
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