A unique mating strategy without physical contact during fertilization in Bombay Night Frogs (Nyctibatrachus humayuni) with the description of a new form of amplexus and female call

• DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2117
• Publication Date: 2016-06-14T07:56:56Z
• Authors: Bert Willaert; Robin Suyesh; Sonali Garg; Varad B. Giri; Mark A. Bee; S.D. Biju
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; Animal Behavior; QH301-705.5; Amplexus; R; 01 natural sciences; Advertisement call; Amphibians; Egg attendance; Medicine; Biology (General); Breeding behaviour; Bioacoustics

Anurans show the highest diversity in reproductive modes of all vertebrate taxa, with a variety associated breeding behaviours. One striking feature anuran reproduction is amplexus. During this process, which male clasps female, both individuals' cloacae are juxtaposed to ensure successful external fertilization. Several types amplexus have evolved diversification anurans, and secondary loss has been reported few distantly related taxa. Within Nyctibatrachus, genus endemic Western Ghats India, normal axillary amplexus, complete intermediate forms suggested occur, but many species remain unstudied. Here, we describe behaviour N. humayuni, including new type The dorsal straddle, here defined as loose form contact sits on dorsum female prior oviposition without clasping her, previously unreported for anurans. When compared known types, it most closely resembles observed Mantellinae. Furthermore, prove that, opposed situation semen release happens before egg deposition. We hypothesize that ejaculates female's sperm subsequently runs from her back hind legs fertilizing eggs. A second characterizing advertisement call, mostly produced solely by males. Despite recent descriptions several Nyctibatrachus species, studies explored their vocal repertoire. call humayuni. presence not within Nyctibatrachidae, less than 0.5% species. Altogether, our results highlight unique aspects behaviour.