Biologia reprodutiva e redescrição do girino de Leptodactylus knudseni Heyer, 1972 (anura, leptodactylidae) na Amazônia Central

Abstract

The group of L. pentadactylus is composed by species of large size which has some reproductive characteristics suggested as possible synapomorphies: deposition of foam nests in excavated basins, foam nest beating pattern, and the presence of trophic eggs in the nests. Leptodactylus knudseni is a member of this group and has wide distribution throughout the Amazon Basin. The larvae of L. knudseni were described briefly, but there is no morphological information and data on ontogenetic variation. This study aimed to describe aspects of reproductive biology of the species and redescribe the larval stage. The study was conducted in the Reserva Adolpho Ducke, Manaus, Amazonas, using the Focal Animal method to describe the reproductive behavior. The redescription of L. knudseni larva was based on individuals at different stages of development. Couples deposited foam nests in excavated basins on the edge of temporary ponds with bottom covered by leaf litter, located in clay soil and distant from streams. The clutches lack trophic eggs. Tadpoles are not able to generate the foam itself. The tadpole of L. knudseni has body ovoid in dorsal and lateral views. Spiracle single, sinistral. LTRF 2(2)/3(1). The use of excavated basin to deposition of eggs has been described for several species of L. pentadactylus group. The absence of trophic eggs and the production of foam by the tadpoles differ from that reported to some species of the group. The tadpoles of L. knudseni are similar to those described for other species of the group.