The release call of Rhinella bernardoi (Anura: Bufonidae)

Abstract

Rhinella bernardoi belongs to the Rhinella granulosus group, of which species are characterized by explosive breeding events which make it difficult to obtain recordings of their advertisement call. As an alternative, it has been proposed that recordings of release calls can be used to differentiate between species. Here we describe the structure of the release call of R. bernardoi. Five males were stimulated by false axillary amplexus, upon which their release call was recorded for one minute. Rhinella bernardoi produces short and straight calls (n = 11 ± 2.3). The duration of the call ranged between 2.2-5.2 ms. Pulse length ranged between 0.13-0.4 ms. Comparative studies of related species within the Rhinella granulosus group are needed to determine the taxonomic value of the release call.