Reproductive biology of the Brazilian sibilator frog Leptodactylus troglodytes

This study reports on previously unknown characteristics of the reproductive biology of Leptodactylus troglodytes, including reproductive site, courtship and territorial behaviour, advertisement, territorial, courtship and reciprocation calls, fecundity and architecture of underground chambers. The ability of tadpoles to produce foam was also tested in the laboratory. Individuals of L. troglodytes bred near temporary ponds in shaded areas and eggs were laid in underground chambers. Three courtship behaviour sequences were recorded. Courtship and reciprocation calls are important during courtship to maintain association between the bonding pair. Reciprocation calls emitted by females may indicate gender avoiding attacks by males. The underground chambers examined had a complex architecture consisting of multiple internal spherical rooms. Foam nests with eggs/larvae in different stages of development were found inside the chambers. Tadpoles of Leptodactylus troglodytes were able to regenerate foam nests within three hours after the beginning of the experiment. This behaviour was also found in other species of the L. fuscus, L. pentadactylus and L. marmoratus species groups.