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Abstract The distribution of amphibians is conditioned by historical factors and ecological drivers. Thus, Ecological Niche Models are important tools to provide information on the potential distribution of the species and determine where they will be requirements in future. Mainly, rare species or with restricted areas of occurrence, because this information are essential to understanding of their living area, microhabitat use, or natural history, serving as a basis for preservation actions. Xenohyla eugenioi is a poorly known species, restricted to transition areas of Caatinga and Atlantic Forest from Minas Gerais to Sergipe. This species exhibits little biological information available and few specimens housed in museums, which difficulty to plan conservation strategies. Here our aim was modeling the current and future distribution and discussing about conservation of Xenohyla eugenioi. We searched for occurrence records through literature and scientific collections data. For the future (2071-2100), we used ensemble models from three algorithms (CTA, GLM and ANN) to two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP370 and SSP585 scenarios). This species has approximately 650 km in straight line between the extreme localities, occurring mainly in bromeliads near to water bodies. The Ensemble method indicates the most suitable areas of occurrence were over ecotonal range between Caatinga and Atlantic Forest and our projections have showed suitable conditions to highlands (up to 1.000 m). However, in the future, is expected total erosion of the X. eugenioi populations, due climatic changes, which reinforce the caution to conservation of this poorly known species and necessity of studies about its ecology, natural history and distribution. Moreover, we hope that this work can contribute to the discovery of new records, characterizing the narrower niche space than this species may actually inhabit.

Abstract The oligochaete Dero lutzi follows a life strategy that alternates between free-living periods in aquatic environments and endoparasitic phases. Most occurrences of D. lutzi in anurans are reported in species with arboreal habits, with studies limited to the recording of the oligochaete’s presence in the host. Our study recovered specimens of D. lutzi from the tree frogs Scinax fuscovarius and Scinax. nasicus. We performed a morphological assessment of the parasite using light microscopy, for the first time, scanning electron microscopy. Molecular characterization of D. lutzi was carried out using the mitochondrial gene 16S rRNA and the nuclear gene 28S rRNA. Additionally, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to assess the species´position in relation to other group members. In our results, we confirmed the phenotypic morphological characteristics of the endoparasitic phase of D. lutzi. We also presented its phylogenetic position with other oligochaetes in the group, demonstrating the proximity between the endoparasite D. lutzi and the free-living oligochaete D. superterrenus.

Amphibians play a fundamental role in the functioning of ecosystems, mainly in the nutrient cycle, energy flow, and pest control. This group has a massive population decline, with approximately 41% of all species at risk, highlighting pesticide pollution as one of the main threats to the loss of anuran biodiversity. This occurs since amphibians have an epidermis with high permeability and a biphasic life cycle, where they use both the aquatic and terrestrial environments, allowing exposure and making them susceptible to chemical agents released into the environment. This makes amphibians a model group in ecotoxicological studies. However, due to the greater control of experimental conditions, the vast majority of studies are carried out in the laboratory, thus maintaining a gap in knowledge about the effects of pesticides on amphibians in natural environments. Under natural conditions, where environmental variables are not controlled, experiments must relate all the dynamics of the interaction of substances existing in the environment, and their influences on organisms. To evaluate the studies already performed under natural conditions, a bibliographic survey was carried out through a search with the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases, considering articles published in the last twenty years, using the terms 'field experimentation' or 'in situ study', associated with 'tadpole' and 'agrochemical' or 'pesticide', using a descriptive methodology. Twenty-one abstracts were pre-selected, they were further evaluated and the methodologies were checked to ensure only the analysis of experiments conducted in the field conditions. Thus, ten works were selected for the construction of the review. The works selected used native amphibian species, considered generalists, present in the study region, and were carried out in environments intended for agricultural cultivation with control groups in preserved locations. In these works, different methodologies were used, such as intentional spraying of water bodies, quantification of pesticides in the study sites, and verification of changes caused by the environment on tadpoles. The main evaluations were based on the survival and morphological changes of the tadpoles and, in some cases, on cytological and biochemical assays.

Embora o estado de Minas Gerais seja considerado privilegiado na composição de seus recursos naturais, o conhecimento sobre os anfíbios do estado é ainda insuficiente. Isso se deve à sua grande extensão territorial e existência de regiões subamostradas, principalmente no que se diz respeito à porção sul do estado. Neste trabalho, analisamos a comunidade de anfíbios anuros do Parque Natural Municipal Professor Doutor Fernando Afonso Bonillo Fernandes, um importante remanescente da Mata Atlântica protegido localizado em área urbana, no município de Pouso Alegre. Entre os meses de janeiro de 2020 e outubro de 2021 foram registradas realizando-se a procura ativa, armadilhas de interceptação e queda e encontros ocasionais, 20 espécies de anuros pertencentes a sete famílias. As espécies mais abundantes foram Dendropsophus minutus, Physalaemus cuvieri e Boana polytaenia. Os resultados adicionam ao conhecimento sobre distribuição, abundância, diversidade e conservação das espécies encontradas, evidenciam a necessidade de estudos primários de levantamento de fauna em lacunas amostrais, bem como ressaltam a importância dos remanescentes naturais para a conservação das comunidades de anfíbios em áreas urbanas.

The Cuvieri Cave was the subject of numerous paleoenvironmental and paleontological studies, but none of them highlighted the fossil and subfossil remains of Anura. This work reports the occurrence of bone parts of anurans from the Holocene. The recovered material consists of axial and appendicular bones of different sizes and proportions, suggesting the presence of different species. The specimens were observed in two periods, the oldest occurring in the PleistoceneHolocene boundary and the vast majority in layers with ages below 6 thousand years BP. The period of absence from the record coincides with the period known as the Archaic Gap in which there was low or no human occupation in Lagoa Santa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we describe for the first time the release call of Rhinella crucifer in addition to comparing its advertisement call with other species of your group. The records were made in an area of Atlantic Forest, named Refúgio de Vida Silvestre Matas de Sirij, in the municipality of São Vicente Férrer, state of Pernambuco, in the Northeast Region of Brazil. At 18 June 2019, 24 advertisement vocalizations of four males were recorded, of which three emit 31 release calls. The results showed a structural difference between the two types of vocalizations, such as the presence of pulses defined, harmonics and greater modulation in the release call. Compared to other Rhinella species of the crucifer group, the release call of R. crucifer had a greater resemblance to R. ornata in the duration and interval of notes and number and interval of pulses. While the proximity of the dynamic parameters of the advertisement call with R. casconi, the highlight was the compatibility of the dominant frequency with R. inopina. This work adds new information on the vocal repertoire of the species, which contributes to information about your natural history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Previsões para um futuro próximo indicam aumento no número de espécies ameaçadas e alto risco de extinção, principalmente para espécies endêmicas de regiões impactadas, como os anfí­bios do gênero Euparkerella. Recentemente, populações de Euparkerella encontradas em fragmentos florestais pouco amostrados têm apresentado evidências de que podem representar novas espécies. Nesse cenário, o objetivo desse estudo foi identificar remanescentes florestais climaticamente apropriados para a ocorrência do grupo através de modelos de distribuição potencial, apontando regiões não exploradas visando localizar populações que podem representar espécies desconhecidas. Os modelos foram gerados com o algoritmo Maxent e apontaram adequabilidade para a região sul, centro e norte do estado Rio de Janeiro, e centro e sul do estado do Espí­rito Santo, regiões amplamente atingidas por ações antrópicas. Os resultados indicam que o gênero Euparkerella tem sua distribuição real subestimada, e que espécies ainda não descritas podem já estar sob ameaça.

Abstract Ilha Grande is a large continental island (total area of 19,300 ha) situated at the southern coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, in southeast Brazil, within the Atlantic Forest Biome. Here we provide an update to the previous knowledge of the fauna of amphibians and reptiles occurring in Ilha Grande, based on primary data from our own fieldwork and on secondary data (from institutional collections and from the literature). We report the occurrence at Ilha Grande of a total of 74 species, being 34 amphibians (all of them anurans) and 40 reptiles (27 snakes, 11 lizards, one amphisbaenian and one crocodylian). Our survey added 14 species to the herpetofaunal list of Ilha Grande (three of amphibians and eleven of reptiles) and removed one species (the amphibian Cycloramphus fuliginosus) from the previous list. The data indicated that Ilha Grande houses a considerable portion of the Atlantic Forest amphibian and reptile diversity (ca. 6% and 19%, respectively, of the species occurring in this biome) together with high occurrence of species endemic to this biome plus a few amphibian species endemic to this island. Ilha Grande is thus an important reservoir of both biodiversity and endemism of amphibians and reptiles of the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, which highlights the importance of the conservation of the island and of its different habitats along the insular landscape.

Abstract. The amphibian fauna of the state of Rio de Janeiro, in southeatern Brazil, is characterized by high species richness and rates of endemism, and is still insufficiently known. A first list of amphibian species with occurrence in the state was published in 2004 and reported 166 taxa, but since then many new records, descriptions of new taxa, and revalidations and synonymizations of species have consistently improved the knowledge about the state’s amphibian biodiversity. Thus, a review and update of that list was deemed necessary. We herein present an updated and commented list of amphibian species occurring in the state of Rio de Janeiro based on a survey of the literature. We recorded the occurrence of a total of 201 species of amphibians (197 anurans and four caecilians) in Rio de Janeiro, with 54 of them (ca. 27%) considered to be endemic of the state. Our study presents an increase in species richness of 21% since the publication of the previous list, indicating a consistent advance in knowledge of the composition of the amphibian fauna in the state. In spite of its relatively small territorial extension (total area ca. 43,800 km²), the state of Rio de Janeiro contains nearly 20% of the amphibian species known to occur in Brazil and around 40% of those occurring in the Atlantic Forest biome. Thus, that state constitutes an important reservoir of amphibian biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest biome and in Brazil, as a whole.

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Amphibians are potentially reliable and efficient bioindicators. Existing anuran white blood cell morphology studies are limited, with only a few morphometric studies available. We employed morphometric techniques to characterize leukocytes of selected Neotropical anurans from Brazil and compare our findings with the exotic American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), genus Ranidae. We compared blood smears of 28 specimens from six different genera (Hyla, Phyllomedusa, Hypsiboas, Scinax, Physalaemus, and Proceratophrys) with samples from L. catesbeianus. Leukocyte average diameter was calculated by an image analysis software. One-way analyses of variance and Bonferroni tests were used on statistical analyses. Lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils were significantly smaller than the reference ranges reported for other amphibian genera, including Lithobathes, whereas monocyte diameters did not differ significantly between genera. This is the first study to evaluate leukocyte morphometrics of Brazilian anuran species. Our findings suggest that geographical separation could possibly influence leukocyte morphometry.

A diversidade biológica e os processos ecológicos do bioma Cerrado ainda são pouco conhecidos. Neste estudo são apresentadas informações acerca da estrutura da anurofauna do município de Barro Alto, estado de Goiás (Brasil Central). Cinco corpos d'água foram amostrados entre os anos de 2007 a 2010 (outubro-março), três deles associados à área florestal e dois associados à área aberta. Registraram-se 39 espécies de anuros, caracterizados como especialistas de hábitat aberto, florestal ou generalistas. A curva de acumulação de espécies apresentou a formação de uma assíntota, evidenciando que as técnicas e esforço de amostragens foram adequados para se estimar a riqueza de espécies de anuros na região. A riqueza foi influenciada pela umidade e temperatura, já que a maioria das espécies se reproduz na estação quente e chuvosa. Diferenças significativas na composição de espécies entre os sítios reprodutivos de áreas florestais e abertas foram registradas. A fauna de anuros no Cerrado parece ser constituída a partir da heterogeneidade horizontal dos hábitats no espaço. Assim, hábitats contrastantes no espaço são importantes para a manutenção da riqueza da anurofauna, e portanto, relevantes em termos conservacionistas.

We show the results of a rapid characterization of anurans at the highland complex Los Nevados, Chilí-Barragán and Las Hermosas, which are located in the Central Andes of the departments of Quindío, Tolima and Valle del Cauca, Colombia. We registered 263 individuals belonging to 11 species of the families Craugastoridae and Bufonidae. Local richness is low (3-5 species), but most species (8/11) are endemic to Colombia and at least two (Osornophryne percrassa and Pristimantis simoteriscus) are listed with some risk of threat. Most species exhibit nocturnal-arboreal and ground-breeding behavior; the known distribution range for three species is expanded (Pristimantis simoterus, Pristimantis obmutescens, Pristimantis vicarius). We also present an updated list of anuran species recorded at the páramo ecosystem on Colombia. We hope that our records help with basic information about the actual presence of species in this ecosystem and provide a baseline for the eventual establishment of monitoring plans.

Durante estudos com morcegos em floresta de várzea na APA do Rio Curiaú, Amapá, Brasil, observamos três casos de predações oportunistas de morcegos frugívoros capturados em redes de neblina. Duas destas predações ocorreram por marsupiais e uma por anuro. Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) foi predado por Didelphis marsupialis Linnaeus, 1758 e Philander opossum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae). Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) foi predado por Leptodactylus pentadactylus (Laurenti, 1768) (Anura, Leptodactylidae). A vocalização dos morcegos provavelmente atraiu os marsupiais para a rede, onde estes os predaram aproveitando que estavam presos. Este tipo de interação pode ocorrer naturalmente, no entanto, com maior dificuldade de registro.We observed three occasional predations of bats captured in mist nets by marsupials and a frog during studies in a várzea forest in the Amapá state. Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) was preyed upon by Didelphis marsupialis Linnaeus, 1758 and Philander opossum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae). Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) was preyed on by Leptodactylus pentadactylus (Laurenti, 1768) (Anura, Leptodactylidae). The bats vocalizations probably attracted the marsupials and a frog to the mist nets where they preyed. This interaction form can occur naturally, however, are more difficult to observed.

Entre los años 2006 y 2007, en un pequeño humedal de la localidad de San Francisco del Cabo al noroccidente de Ecuador, monitoreamos mensualmente una población de la rana arborícola Agalychnis spurrelli. Nuestros objetivos fueron: (1) determinar el tamaño poblacional y las fluctuaciones anuales de la población, (2) evaluar la distribución espacial el hábitat por categoría de edad; y (3) analizar las asociaciones con otras especies de anuros relacionadas con la partición de recursos del sustrato, época reproductiva y sitio de reproducción. Se emplearon métodos estandarizados de muestreo para estudiar la dinámica y tamaño poblacional, los cuales incluían la captura-recaptura, codificados mediante el corte de falanges. La población de Agalychnis spurrelli podría alcanzar altos tamaños poblacionales, con incrementos de su densidad relativa y en su actividad reproductiva durante los períodos de lluvias, que inician desde el mes de Febrero. Se obtuvo una baja tasa de recaptura, con tamaños poblacionales calculados entre 1400 y 6000 individuos adultos para la Laguna del Diablo. Durante los períodos secos, esta especie prefiere los estratos altos del bosque, descendiendo hacia los bordes de la laguna solamente cuando comienzan los períodos de lluvia. Nueve especies de anuros nocturnos fueron identificados en los alrededores de la laguna, de los cuales Hypsiboas rosenbergi y H. pellucens fueron las más similares con A. spurrelli en el uso de recursos del hábitat. La serpiente Leptodeira septentrionalis es su principal depredador. Se reportan valores medianos en la amplitud y solapamiento del nicho, que refleja tendencias generalistas de esta especie en la distribución vertical y uso de sustratos en el humedal.

Reproductive modes and size-fecundity relationships are described for anurans from Picinguaba, a region of Atlantic rainforest on the northern coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. We observed 13 reproductive modes, confirming a high diversity of modes in the Atlantic rainforest. This diversity of reproductive modes reflects the successful use of diversified and humid microhabitats by anurans in this biome. We measured the snout-vent length of 715 specimens of 40 species of anurans. The size-fecundity relationship of 12 species was analyzed. Female snout-vent lengths explained between 57% and 81% of clutch size variation. Anurans with aquatic modes laid more eggs than those with terrestrial or arboreal modes. Larger eggs were deposited by species with specialized reproductive modes.Neste estudo são apresentados os modos reprodutivos e as relações de tamanho-fecundidade dos anuros encontrados em Picinguaba, uma região de Mata Atlântica no litoral norte do estado de São Paulo. Foram registrados 13 modos reprodutivos, confirmando a alta diversidade de modos reprodutivos encontrados na Mata Atlântica. A diversidade de modos reprodutivos observados na Mata Atlântica é o resultado do sucesso dos anuros na utilização dos diversos microhábitats úmidos desse bioma. Os comprimentos rostro-cloacais de 715 indivíduos de 40 espécies de anuros foram medidos. Foram consideradas as relações de tamanho-fecundidade para 12 espécies. O tamanho do corpo explicou entre 57% e 81% da variação no tamanho da ninhada. Os modos reprodutivos aquáticos apresentaram maior número de ovos, comparados aos modos reprodutivos terrestres ou arborícolas. As espécies com maior tamanho de ovos foram as que apresentaram modos reprodutivos especializados.

São descritos o canto de anúncio, os machos e dados de dimorfismo sexual em Proceratophrys concavitympanum, coletados em Aripuanã (Mato Grosso) e em Espigão do Oeste (Rondônia), Brasil. Os machos foram observados em atividade de vocalização ao longo de pequenos riachos em área de mata primária da Floresta Amazônica. O canto de anúncio de Proceratophrys concavitympanum descrito aqui é comparado com os cantos de outras espécies do gênero Proceratophrys.Here is described the advertisement call, the males and data of sexual dimorphism in Proceratophrys concavitympanum, collected in Aripuanã (Mato Grosso) and Espigão do Oeste (Rondônia), Brazil. The males were observed calling along small streams in primary forest of Amazonian Rainforest. The advertisement call of Proceratophrys concavitympanum described here is compared to calls of others Proceratophrys species.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo inventariar as espécies de anuros em três localidades da região urbana de Altamira (03°12’S, longitude 51°12’W), município localizado no Oeste do Pará (Amazônia Oriental). As coletas foram realizadas entre janeiro e junho de 2004. Foram registradas 15 espécies durante o estudo. A família Hylidae foi a mais representada, com oito espécies registradas. Os dados foram compatíveis com o grau de conservação das áreas de coleta. A necessidade de realização de novos inventários faunísticos em todos os biomas brasileiros é de extrema urgência, particularmente na Amazônia, dada sua vasta extensão e carência de inventários.

Termite mounds are known to offer refuge and microhabitats to a great variety of invertebrates and vertebrates. In the valley of the upper Tocantins River, within areas of influence of hydroelectric power plants 4,000 termite mounds were surveyed to evaluate the diversity of amphibians and reptiles using these environments. Surveys in termite mounds from two other areas (Corumbá River and Araguaia River basins) were used for comparative purposes. The results for termitaria in the upper Tocantins river valley revealed nine families, 13 genera, and 25 species of amphibians, and 16 families, 32 genera, and 47 species of squamate reptiles. Compared to a general herpetofaunal list of the region, the data indicate that between 30.6% and 56.8% of the species use termitaria.Termiteiros são conhecidos por oferecer refúgio e micro habitats para uma grande variedade de invertebrados e vertebrados. Aproveitando trabalhos realizados na área de influência de usinas hidrelétricas no vale do rio Tocantins, inspecionamos avaliamos 4.000 termiteiros visando determinar os anfíbios e répteis que se utilizam desses ambientes. Resultados obtidos em duas outras áreas (bacias dos rios Corumbá e Araguaia) foram utilizadas como comparação. No vale do alto rio Tocantins nove famílias, 13 gêneros e 25 espécies de anfíbios e 15 famílias, 32 gêneros e 47 espécies de Squamata foram encontrados nos termiteiros. Esses dados indicam que entre 30.6% e 56.8% das espécies da herpetofauna utilizam termiteiros.

A riqueza e a diversidade de anfíbios anuros de serapilheira em áreas de floresta e de pastagem foram estudadas em Rondônia. A eficiência da utilização de armadilhas de interceptação e queda foi analisada. As armadilhas foram instaladas em três ambientes distintos: interior de floresta, distante de ambientes aquáticos permanentes; interior de floresta, a cerca de 100 metros de rio; área de pastagem, distante de ambientes aquáticos permanentes. Foram capturados 1.324 espécimes pertencentes a 27 espécies, distribuídas em nove famílias: Aromobatidae (1 espécie), Brachycephalidae (2), Bufonidae (4), Cycloramphidae (1), Dendrobatidae (1), Hylidae (5), Leiuperidae (1), Leptodactylidae (7) e Microhylidae (5). O emprego de armadilhas de interceptação e queda permitiu registrar 57% das espécies conhecidas para essa localidade, sendo particularmente eficiente para a captura de anuros de hábitos terrícolas e fossoriais. Foram capturados menos indivíduos nos três meses mais secos e houve maior diversidade durante a estação chuvosa. Maior riqueza e diversidade foram registradas nos ambientes florestados, em relação à pastagem, observando-se decréscimo de espécies com o desmatamento. A conversão da floresta em pastagens ocasiona modificações no ambiente (diminuição de locais para reprodução, diminuição da disponibilidade de alimento, perda da serapilheira, compactação do solo, alterações microclimáticas, aumento da abundância de espécies de áreas abertas, etc.) criando condições desfavoráveis para a sobrevivência de algumas espécies.Abundance and diversity of leaf-litter frog species were studied in forest and pasture in Rondonia, Brazil. Also, the efficiency of use of pitfall traps was examined. Pitfall traps were established in three treatments: forest interior far (> 100 m) from water; forest interior near (< 100 m) water; pasture, far from water. Species richness was typical of the Amazon region, with a total of 1,324 individuals of 27 species in nine families: Aromobatidae (1 species), Brachycephalidae (2), Bufonidae (4), Cycloramphidae (1), Dendrobatidae (1), Hylidae (5), Leiuperidae (1), Leptodactylidae (7) e Microhylidae (5). Pitfall traps captured 57% of the species known for this location, capturing mainly terrestrial and fossorial species. The greatest richness and diversity of captures were during the rainy season in the forested sites. Forest converted to pasture affects several features of the habitat that reduce habitat quality with respect to these amphibians, including fewer places for reproduction, reduced food supply, loss of leaf-litter and soil compaction all with their influence on microclimate, as well as the arrival of other species more common in open areas.

A new species of bufonid toad of the genus Melanophryniscus from northern Uruguay is described. It is included in the M. moreirae group and its external morphology is similar to Melanophryniscus sanmartini. Melanophryniscus sp. nov. is distinguished by having a light brown dorsal coloration with six darker longitudinal glandular ridges on the dorsal surface of the body and the gular region uniformly black.Se describe una nueva especie de anuro bufónido del género Melanophryniscus, procedente del norte de Uruguay. La nueva especie se incluye en el grupo M. moreirae y es similar, en cuanto a su morfología externa, con Melanophryniscus sanmartini. Melanophryniscus sp. nov. se distingue por presentar una coloración dorsal castaño clara con seis cordones glandulares longitudinales más oscuros en la superficie dorsal del cuerpo y la región gular de color negro uniforme.

A maturação dos espermatozóides envolve um extenso e complexo processo que começa com a proliferação e diferenciação das espermatogônias, passa pela meiose e finaliza com a espermiogênese. Nessa fase, eventos envolvendo alterações morfológicas e bioquímicas transformam espermátides em espermatozóides. Aspectos ultra-estruturais da espermiogênese e do espermatozóide do anuro Eupemphix nattereri (Steindachner, 1863) foram analisados através de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. A espermiogênese envolve condensação da cromatina e alongamento nuclear, com visível eliminação de citoplasma. Nesse estágio, grande quantidade de microtúbulos e glicogênio podem ser visualizados no citoplasma das células de Sertoli, rodeando cada espermátide. O espermatozóide é fusiforme e o acrossomo forma uma capa na região anterior do núcleo. A bainha mitocondrial é encontrada ao redor da porção proximal da cauda. A cauda apresenta o axonema com o modelo 9+2, uma fibra axonemal, a membrana ondulante e ausência de bastão axial. Esta organização apresenta algumas similaridades com espécies do gênero Physalaemus (Leiuperidae) como P. biligonigerus (Cope, 1861), P. gracilis (Boulenger, 1883) e P. fuscomaculatus (Steindachner, 1864).Spermatozoon maturation involves an extense and complex process beginning with proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia, passing through meiosis, and ending with spermiogenesis. The later event involves morphological and biochemical changes in order to transform spermatids into spermatozoa. Ultrastructural aspects of the spermiogenesis and testicular spermatozoa of the anuran Eupemphix nattereri (Steindachner, 1863) were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Spermiogenesis involves chromatin condensation and nuclear elongation, with visible cytoplasmic elimination. At this stage, a large amount of microtubules and glycogen can also be seen in Sertoli cell cytoplasm, surrounding each spermatid. The spermatozoon is fusiform and the acrossome forms a cap in the anterior region of the nucleus. A mitochondrial sleeve is found around the proximal portion of the tail. The tail presents an axonema with a 9+2 pattern, a justaxonemal fiber, an undulating membrane, and the absence of axial rod. This organization shows some similarities with species of the genus Physalaemus (Leiuperidae) such as P. biligonigerus (Cope, 1861), P. gracilis (Boulenger, 1883) and P. fuscomaculatus (Steindachner, 1864).

Physalaemus henselii (Peters, 1872) is a little known leiuperid frog that has not been studied since the 1960’s. Herein, we redescribe its advertisement call, and assess the female sexual cycle and the reproductive period on the basis of the macroscopic analysis of the ovaries and field observations. The Ovarian Size Factor (OSF) was calculated. The study was made in Departamento de Rivera, northern Uruguay. The advertisement call consists of short (177 ± 21ms), multipulsed (20 ± 3 pulses/note) notes, with a note repetition rate of 1.57 ± 0.13 notes/s. Physalaemus henselii has a female sexual cycle with unimodal distribution of gravid females, which are present from February to September. The OSF and the ratio "females with mature oocytes / females without mature oocytes" reached the highest values from April to June. The number and size of oocytes were positively correlated with female size. The smallest female (SVL =18.94mm, weight =0.78g) with mature oocytes was found in July. The observed sexual cycle with a single annual reproductive period during the cold season (autumn and early winter), is an uncommon fact for anuran species in the region.Physalaemus henselii (Peters, 1872) es un pequeño leiupérido que no ha sido estudiado desde los años 60. Aquí redescribimos su canto de anuncio, y determinamos su ciclo sexual femenino y el período reproductivo en base al análisis macroscópico de los ovarios y de observaciones de campo. Fue calculado el Factor de Tamaño Ovárico (FTO). El estudio fue realizado en el Departamento de Rivera, norte de Uruguay. El canto nupcial consiste en notas cortas (177 ± 21ms) y multipulsadas (20 ± 3 pulsos/nota), con una tasa de repetición de notas de 1.57 ± 0.13 notas/s. Physalaemus henselii tiene un ciclo sexual femenino con distribución unimodal de hembras maduras, las que están presentes de Febrero a Setiembre. El FTO y la tasa "hembras con ovocitos maduros / hembras sin ovocitos maduros" alcanzó los valores más altos desde Abril a Junio. El número y tamaño de los ovocitos estuvieron correlacionados positivamente con el tamaño de las hembras. La hembra más pequeña (SVL =18.94mm, masa =0.78g) con ovocitos maduros fue encontrada en Julio. El ciclo sexual observado, con un solo periodo reproductivo anual durante la estación fría (otoño e invierno temprano), constituye un hecho poco frecuente en las especies de anuros de la región.

Agalychnis spurrelli Boulenger, 1913 es el nombre válido más reciente para una especie hylida de rana Phyllomedusina que habita los bosques tropicales de tierras bajas y premontanos del Pacífico, desde el sur de Costa Rica hasta el centro-occidente de Ecuador. Presento datos que apoyan la ubicación de Agalychnis litodryas Duellman & Trueb, 1967 como un sinónimo junior de A. spurrelli. Agalychnis spurrelli es una rana medianamente grande con extensas membranas interdigitales que se distingue de otras especies del género Agalychnis por tener los flancos y extremidades uniformemente amarillo, anaranjado, rosado pálido o morado pálido, sin barras oscuras. Su dorso es verde, comúnmente con verrugas pustulares bordeadas de negro.Agalychnis spurrelli Boulenger, 1913 is the earliest available name for a hylid species of Phyllomedusin frogs that inhabit the lowland and pre-montane tropical forests on the Pacific coast, from southern Costa Rica to central-western Ecuador. I present data that support the placement of Agalychnis litodryas Duellman & Trueb, 1967 as a junior synonym of A. spurrelli. Agalychnis spurrelli is a medium-large sized frog with extensive interdigital membrane that is distinguished from other species of the genus Agalychnis by having the flanks and limbs uniformly yellow, orange, pale rose or pale purple, without dark stripes. The dorsum is green, usually with black-bordered pustular white warts.

En 1980, Marco Antonio Serna colectó dos ejemplares de una inusual rana de cristal en el noroccidente del Departamento de Antioquia, Colombia. Dichos ejemplares exhibían algunas características sobresalientes entre las cuales llamó la atención su gran tamaño. Aparentemente solo uno de estos ejemplares (el holotipo hembra) fue enviado para su identificación a Juan A. Rivero, quien la describió bajo el nombre de Centrolenella megistra (Rivero, 1985). Sin embargo, escasa información concerniente a la especie ha sido reportada en la literatura desde la descripción original, más allá de su re-asignación genérica. En este trabajo, presentamos una redescripción de esta especie, con una adecuada delimitación de sus características, asignamos un neotipo, presentamos algunos datos sobre su distribución e historia natural y justificamos el cambio de su epíteto específico de "megistra" a "megista". Adicionalmente, reportamos algunas localidades que amplían los rangos de distribución de nueve especies de ranas de cristal de Colombia, Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni, Centrolene andinum C. petrophilum, C. hybrida, C. buckleyi, C. quindianum, Cochranella adiazeta, C. daidalea y C. susatamai.In 1980, Marco Antonio Serna collected two individuals of an unusual glassfrog from Departamento de Antioquia, Colombia. These specimens exhibit some peculiar characteristics, including a large body size. It seems that only one of these specimens was sent to Juan A. Rivero for its identification; Rivero (1985) described the species under the name of Centrolenella megistra. Herein, we redescribe and designate a neotype of Cochranella megista (Rivero, 1985). Also, we justify the change of its specific epithet "megistra" to "megista", according to the original intention of Rivero. Finally, we report new localities that extend the distributional ranges of Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni, Centrolene andinum C. petrophilum, C. hybrida, C. buckleyi, C. quindianum, Cochranella adiazeta, C. daidalea and C. susatamai in Colombia.

Annual patterns of calling and breeding activity of 38 anuran species were studied at Serra do Caraça, an 11,233 ha reserve located in a contact zone between Cerrado and Atlantic forest at the southern Espinhaço range, southeastern Brazil. Five patterns were evident: (1) species that call year-round or nearly year-round with larger aggregations generally observed in the rainy months, (2) species with opportunistic calling activity associated with rainfall during the wettest months of the year, (3) winter species, (4) explosive breeders with intense calling activity triggered by heavy rains during the rainy season or only in the beginning of the rainy season, and (5) summer species with variable breeding seasons. Both the monthly number of species with calling males and the monthly number of species that showed the maximum class of calling males were positively correlated with both mean monthly temperature and monthly precipitation.Estudamos os padrões anuais de atividade vocal e reprodutiva de 38 espécies de anuros da Serra do Caraça, uma reserva de 11.233 ha localizada na zona de contato entre o Cerrado e a Mata Atlântica na porção sul da Cadeia do Espinhaço, Minas Gerais, Sudeste do Brasil. Cinco padrões foram evidenciados: (1) espécies que vocalizaram o ano todo ou quase o ano todo com agregações maiores geralmente observadas na estação chuvosa, (2) espécies com atividade vocal oportunista associada à precipitação durante os meses mais úmidos, (3) espécies de inverno, (4) espécies com reprodução explosiva com atividade vocal disparada por chuvas intensas durante a estação chuvosa ou apenas no início dessa estação e (5) espécies de verão com temporadas de vocalização variáveis. O número de espécies vocalmente ativas e o número de espécies que apresentaram agregações máximas de machos ativos mostraram-se positivamente correlacionados tanto com a temperatura média mensal como com a precipitação mensal acumulada.

Se describen las larvas de dos especies de la familia Centrolenidae (Hyalinobatrachium ibama y Cochranella daidalea) procedentes del flanco occidental de la cordillera Oriental en el departamento de Norte de Santander, Colombia. En la descripción de las larvas, además de las características morfológicas tradicionales, se incorporaron nuevos elementos de juicio como la longitud del tubo cloacal, la forma del rostro, el patrón de color y la posición del espiráculo, los cuales resultaron ser informativos y muy útiles en la diferenciación de las especies. Se proporciona una discusión acerca de la validez taxonómica de algunos de los caracteres morfológicos empleados usualmente en las descripciones y comparaciones de los renacuajos de la familia Centrolenidae.We describe herein the larvae of two species of the family Centrolenidae (Hyalinobatrachium ibama and Cochranella daidalea) from the Department of Norte de Santander on the western flank of the Cordillera Oriental, Colombia. In order to provide an adequate description, we incorporate new elements such as: vent-tube length, snout shape, color pattern and spiracle position. A discussion about the taxonomic validity of some tadpole morphological characteristics traditionally used in descriptions and comparisons of the family Centrolenidae is provided.

The extensive vocal repertoire of Leptodactylus natalensis is described. The field observations were made at three forest fragments of the Tropical Atlantic Domain, in Northeast (State of Alagoas) and Southeast (State of Espírito Santo) regions of Brazil. The vocal repertoire of L. natalensis was constituted by ten notes emitted alone or in different combinations. The several vocalizations were organized in three distinct groups according to the social context in the moment of emission. L. natalensis presents extensive diversity of acoustic signals supported by variations in duration of each note, as well as in the number and sequence of emission of different notes.O extenso repertório vocal de Leptodactylus natalensis é descrito. Observações de campo foram feitas em três fragmentos florestais no Domínio Tropical Atlântico, localizados nas regiões Nordeste (Estado de Alagoas) e Sudeste (Estado do Espírito Santo) do Brasil. O repertório vocal de L. natalensis foi constituído de dez notas emitidas em unicidade ou em diferentes combinações. As diferentes vocalizações foram organizadas em três grupos distintos de acordo com o contexto social no momento da emissão. L. natalensis apresenta extensa diversidade de sinais acústicos sustentada pela variação na duração de cada nota, assim como no número e seqüência de emissão das diferentes notas.

Esta nota es el primer registro de ocurrencia de miasis generada por moscas Sarcophagidae en anuro de la familia Leptodactylidae. El anfibio, identificado como Leptodactylus latrans (Steffen, 1815), fue recolectado en el bioma Mata Atlântica, en el sur de Brasil. La rana presentaba extensas lesiones musculares y orificios en el tegumento generados por la presencia de 21 larvas, identificadas como Sarcophagidae. Las interacciones ecológicas entre insectos dípteros y anuros son poco conocidas. El impacto de las moscas Sarcophagidae en las poblaciones de anuros requiere más estudio.

Understanding the frogs food ecology is essential to understand the biology of life of these animals. This information provides necessary data on their habitat, morphology, physiology and behavior. In the study we analyzed the diet of a Leptodactylus macrosternum population, of the farm Cajueiro, city of Catolé do Rocha, wilderness region of Paraíba. The gatherings were executed between October of 2013 and June of 2014, by hearing/visual active search. In the laboratory, the food contents were analyzed in the taxonomic categories of Order. Were identified 10 feeding categories, being 7 belonging to the class Insecta, 2 Arachinida, 1 Gasthropoda, in addition to vegetables and ground/rock. The main food items in the diet, according to the Index of Alimentary Importance, were Coleoptera and Hymenoptera, followed by Odonata, Hemiptera and Orthoptera, generally not occurring significant changes in the consumption of the food items. Changes in the consumption of items in L. macrosternum diet possibly result from the availability, associated with variations in rainfall in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show t he results of a rapid characterization of anurans at t he highland complex Los Nevados, Chilí-Barragán and Las Hermosas, which are located in the Central Andes of the departments of Quindío, Tolima and Valle del Cauca, Colombia. We registered 263 individuals belonging to 11 species of the families Craugastoridae and Bufonidae. Local richness is low (3-5 species), but most species (8/11) are endemic to Colombia and at least two (Osornophryne percrassa and Pristimantis simoteriscus) are listed with some risk of threat. Most species exhibit nocturnal-arboreal and ground-breeding behavior; the known distribution range for three species is expanded (Pristimantis simoterus, Pristimantis obmutescens, Pristimantis vicarius). We also present an updated list of anuran species recorded at the páramo ecosystem on Colombia. We hope that our records help with basic information about the actual presence of species in this ecosystem and provide a baseline for the eventual establishment of monitoring plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Rhinella is described from Canavieiras, southern State of Bahia, in the Atlantic Rain Forest of Eastern Brazil. Rhinella hoogmoedi sp. nov. is characterized by the medium size for the genus (SVL 39.4-52.1 mm in males), snout rounded in dorsal view, with a vertical apical ridge which gives a nearly mucronate aspect, and nearly acute in profile, antorbital and supra-orbital crests developed, parietal crest poorly developed, post-orbital crest large, forming a small lateral ledge, tympanum evident, vertebral apophyses not salient on dorsum, presence of a dorsolateral line of pointed tubercles on the external border of the parotoid gland, continuing along the lateral side of body to the groin, a rounded tubercle at the posterior corner of mouth, and vocal slits present. The new species is distributed from the State of Ceará to the State of Paraná, Brazil.Uma nova espécie do gênero Rhinella é descrita de Canavieiras, no sul do Estado da Bahia, na Floresta Atlântica do leste do Brasil. Rhinella hoogmoedi sp. nov. é caracterizada pelo tamanho médio para o gênero (CRA 39,4-52,1 mm em machos), focinho arredondado em vista dorsal, com uma prega apical vertical que lhe dá um aspecto aproximadamente mucronado, e próximo de agudo em perfil, cristas anterorbital e supra-orbital desenvolvidas, crista parietal pouco desenvolvida, crista pós-orbital grande, formando uma pequena aba lateral, tímpano evidente, apófises vertebrais não salientes no dorso, presença de uma linha dorsolateral de tubérculos pontiagudos na borda externa da glândula parotóide, continuando-se ao longo da lateral do corpo até a virilha, um tubérculo arredondado no canto posterior da boca e fendas vocais presentes. A nova espécie está distribuída do Estado do Ceará até o Estado do Paraná, Brasil.

Oreophrynella weiassipuensis sp. nov. is described from Wei-Assipu-tepui on the Guyana-Brazil border. The new species is distinguished from other species of the genus by the presence of well developed post-orbital crests, toe webbing, dorsal skin minutely granular with scattered large tubercles, and reddish brown dorsal and ventral coloration.Descreve-se Oreophrynella weiassipuensis sp. nov. proveniente de Wei-Assipu-tepui, na fronteira da Guyana com o Brasil. A nova espécie distingue-se das outras espécies do gênero pela presence de cristas pós-orbitais bem desenvolvidas, membrane entre os artelhos, pele no dorso coberta por grânulos e ornamentada por grandes tubérculos esparsos, coloração do dorso e do ventre marrom avermelhada.

Male-male and male-female interactions, reproductive habitat, and vocalizations of Hyla goiana B. Lutz, 1968 a member of H. polytaenia species group, are described. Three groups of calling males were surveyed along a small stream, at the Estação de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Ambiental de Galheiro, Perdizes municipality, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The mean distance between the nearest calling neighbors was 2.7 m, in accordance with an uniform distribution. Clutches (mean 180 eggs) were deposited in the stream, submerged and attached to plants. In two observed courtships the female moved towards a calling male that rapidly clasped her. In the male-male interaction, the males emitted advertisement and encounter calls and then engaged in physical combat. The males have a prepollical fang-like spine on each hand and several of them were observed with scratches on dorsum. The advertisement call consists of alternating harsh notes and a trilled of brief notes. The frequency of the call is lower than that of H. aff. polytaenia and H. cipoensis B. Lutz, 1968. The clutch characteristics of H. goiana are similar to those described for H. polytaenia Cope, 1870 and H. cipoensis.

The vocalizations of H. raniceps (Cope, 1826) and their functions are described, including an analysis of the influence of temperature, weight, or SVL (snout-vent length) of males on the acoustic parameters. The vocalizations were recorded in three areas in Fazenda Lagoa Grande, Municipality of Pontalina, State of Goiás, central Brazil. Males began their vocalizations just before sunset, extending them, in some cases, to dawn of the following day. The peak of activities happened between 21h and 23h. The height of calling sites varied plenty, being the position horizontal in about 50% of them. Males defended sites in different areas during consecutive nights. Rain and strong winds interrupted the calling activities. Males emitted three vocalizations: advertisement, territorial and distress calls. The advertisement call has pulsionated structures and it is the most common, being emitted in the presence/absence of females. Significant correlation was found between number of notes and air temperature, notes duration and both male weight and air temperature, calling rate and both male SVL or weight, and frequency and male weight.

Foi estudada a utilização de sítios reprodutivos e de vocalização em uma taxocenose de anuros do Parque Estadual Intervales, uma reserva de Mata Atlântica localizada no sudeste do Brasil (24°12' - 24°25' S, 48°03' - 48°30' W). Os trabalhos de campo foram desenvolvidos entre abril de 1990 e março de 1991. Na área de estudo, foram registradas 47 espécies pertencentes a quatro famílias: Bufonidae (4), Hylidae (24), Leptodactylidae (18) e Microhylidae (1). Foram obtidos dados sobre a distribuição dos hábitats reprodutivos e dos micro-habitats de vocalização para 26 espécies por meio do monitoramento mensal de seis corpos d'água ao longo de um ciclo anual. O número de espécies que utilizaram um determinado hábitat variou de 7 a 22. As espécies foram classificadas como generalistas ou especialistas. A maioria das espécies mostrou preferência por determinados sítios de vocalização. Para algumas espécies, a especificidade por sítios de vocalização pareceu depender da densidade de machos emitindo canto nupcial e não da composição de espécies das agregações reprodutivas.Breeding and calling site utilization were studied for an anuran community of the Parque Estadual Intervales, an Atlantic Rainforest reserve located in Southeastern Brazil (24°12'-24°25'S, 48°03'-48°30'W). Field work was carried out between April 1990 and March 1991. Forty-seven species from four families were recorded in the study site: Bufonidae (4), Hylidae (24), Leptodactylidae (18), and Microhylidae (1). We were able to obtain data on breeding habitat and microhabitat distribution for 26 species by monitoring six breeding sites year-round on a monthly basis. The number of species in the sites varied from 7 to 22. Species were classified as habitat generalists and specialists based on breeding site utilization. Most species showed preferences for certain calling sites. For some species calling site specificity seemed to depend on the density of the male aggregations rather than on the species composition of the assemblages.

The tadpole of Odontophrynus salvatori Caramaschi, 1996 is described from Chapada dos Veadeiros, State of Goiás, Brazil. The tadpole resembles those of the genus Proceratophrys Miranda-Ribeiro, 1920, mostly by depressive body in lateral view, small body size, and habitat use.

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Copyright of Biota Neotropica is the property of Biota Neotropica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Biota Neotropica is the property of Biota Neotropica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)