Asymmetric larval competition between two species of neotropical foam-nesting frogs: Leptodactylus fuscus and Engystomops pustulosus

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
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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