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Current Herpetology
Abstract
Abstract:
Observations on stereotyped defensive behaviours are presented for 7 frog species of the Neotropical genus Odontophrynus from Argentina and Uruguay. Seven stereotyped postures were observed, among which the most common observed were puffing up the body, contracting, and crouching down. Newly reported behaviours include tongue protrusion, eye protection, and some combinations of postures. We provide an account of defensive behaviours already described in Odontophrynus and discuss the correspondence between the terminology used by previous authors and recently proposed classifications. In addition, we highlight defensive mechanisms associated with the body raising posture in Neotropical anurans, which may include intimidating predators, body shape disruption, warning signaling, and exposure of skin macroglands.
CB and FK acknowledge Diego Arrieta (MNHN) and Agencia Nacional de Investigación e Innovación (ANII). DB thanks Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica (PICTs 0404/2013, 1343/2014, 1930/2014, 2035/2014, 0813/2015, 0820/2015, 2381/2015). LF Toledo kindly shared bibliography.
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