Notes on facultative use of bat-modified "leaft-tents" by Agalychnis Red-eyed treefrogs (Anura: Hylidae)

Abstract

Duellman noted that Agalychnis callidryasseldom used particular kinds of folded leaves (not constructed by the frogs) to lay eggs but without providing further detail on the plant structures. In the context of these observations, here we report on findings of Agalychnis species using bat-modified “leaf tents,” which are folded leaf structures constructed by a group of tropical bats of the family Phyllostomidae that modify leaves as shelters. Tent production is a relatively poorly documented phenomenon in which bats select leaves of certain plants to build a shelter using their teeth,feet, and thumbs to break or cut some leaf fibers. The leaves fold down resembling tent-like structures with a variety of architectural designs that offer multiple benefits for bats such as relative permanency, microclimate stability, and reduced risks of predation. We discuss the implications of this frog-bat interaction with respect to A. callidryas and A. spurrelliin terms of diurnal retreats andoviposition sites.