Hood construction as an indication of the breeding period of the fiddler crab Uca (Leptuca) leptodactyla Rathbun, 1898 (Decapoda, Ocypodidae) from Guaratuba Bay, southern Brazil

Size at morphological sexual maturity, sex-ratio, and the seasonal variation in abundance of the shrimp Artemesia longinaris Bate, 1888 were assessed off Pinheira Beach, Palhoça, Santa Catarina southern Brazil. Shrimp were collected monthly from November 2003 through to October 2004, in two areas that are customarily used by local traditional fishermen (27°52′–27°51′S and 48°33′–48°29′W). Of the total of 1099 specimens measured, 23.93% were males and 76.07% females. Mean size at first maturity (LM50) was estimated as 56.38 mm total length (TL) for males, and 70.34 mm TL for females. Females were significantly larger than males. Abundance of juveniles varied seasonally. A high predominance of juveniles in the areas sampled occurred in winter for both sexes, and in spring for females. In the summer and autumn, we observed a decrease in juveniles in both areas, mainly, area II. We suggest that the differential migration pattern of sexes during the reproductive cycle was the principal reason for the larger catch of females. The classical paradigm of continuous reproduction at lower latitude, with increased seasonality of the breeding period at higher latitudes, seems to apply to this species.

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Nest site selection by Hypsiboas faber(Anura, Hylidae) in Southern Brazil

Iheringia Série Zoologia ◽

10.1590/1678-476620151054453460 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 105 (4) ◽

pp. 453-460 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

André L. Luza ◽

Eliane R. da Silva ◽

Daniela M. Failace ◽

Patrick Colombo

Keyword(s):

Site Selection ◽

Nest Site ◽

Nest Site Selection ◽

Nest Building ◽

Habitat Characteristics ◽

Breeding Period ◽

Subtropical Climate ◽

Southern Brazil ◽

Habitat Factors ◽

Selection For

ABSTRACT Male gladiator frogs of Hypsiboas Wagler, 1830 build nests on available substrate surrounding ponds and streams where female spawn eggs during the breeding period. Although gladiator frogs seem to show plasticity in the way they construct their nests, there is no study reporting if these species present preferences about microhabitat conditions for nest-building (mainly under subtropical climate). Predation pressure and environmental conditions have been considered major processes shaping the great diversity of reproductive strategies performed by amphibians, but microhabitat conditions should explain where to build a nest as well as how nest looks. This study aimed to test nest site selection for nest-building by Hypsiboas faber(Wied-Neuwied, 1821), determining which factors are related to nest site selection and nest features. The survey was conducted at margins of two permanent ponds in Southern Brazil. Habitat factors were evaluated in 18 plots with nest and 18 plots in the surrounding without nest (control), describing vegetation structure and heterogeneity, and substrate characteristics. Water temperature was measured inside the nest and in its adjacency. Nest features assessed were area, depth and temperature. Habitat characteristics differed between plots with and without nest. Microhabitat selected for nest-building was characterized by great vegetation cover and height, as well as shallower water and lower cover of organic matter in suspension than in plots without nest. Differences between temperature inside nest and in its adjacency were not observed. No relationship between nest features and habitat descriptors was evidenced. Results revealed that Hypsiboas faber does not build nests anywhere. Males seem to prefer more protected habitats, probably avoiding predation, invasion of conspecific males and inclement weather. Lack of differences between temperature inside- and outside-nest suggest that nest do not improve this condition for eggs and tadpole development. Nest architecture was not related to habitat characteristics, which may be determined by other factors, as nest checking by females before amplexus. Nest site selection should increase offspring survival as well the breeding success of Hypsiboas faber.

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