Mate choice in the neotropical frog, Hyla ebraccata: sexual selection, mate recognition and signal selection
Backwell, P.R.Y.; Jennions, M.D.
Animal Behaviour 45: 48-50
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-3472 DOI: 10.1006/anbe.1993.1150Document Number: 421053
The recognition of components of species-specific calls in the neotropical frog (Hyla ebraccata) was studied. Hylid frogs can commonly be found calling and breeding in close proximity, but neither hybridization nor interspecific clasping has been observed. Male advertisement calls ensure that mating occurs only between conspecifics. In phonotaxis experiments, females of H. ebraccata preferred conspecific calls; females also responded to the call of H. phlebodes when no alternative was available. This study is the first to show that females can discriminate between the heterospecific calls of sympatric species. Females recognize a range of signals beyond those of conspecifics, but their relative attractiveness maintains the pattern of conspecific mating. Mating does not require recognition of species-specific call features, but it does need a strong conspecific preference.