Life history traits of a Neotropical microhylid (dermatonotus muelleri, Boettger 1885) from the arid Chaco, Argentina

Abstract

We explored age-related parameters and growth patterns in a population of Dermatonotus muelleri inhabiting the Arid Chaco, at the southern limit of the species' distribution range using skeletochronology. In addition, we studied sexual size dimorphism and female reproductive investment. Males and females attained sexual maturity at a similar age (2 years) and both had a low reproductive lifespan (3 years). Females were significantly larger than males and had a higher reproductive investment compared to other anurans. The growth rate coefficient (k) was similar in males (1.14) and females (1.07), indicating that the sexual size dimorphism in this species is caused by differentiated growth before sexual maturity. Overall, we suggest that the short reproductive lifespan justifies the high reproductive investment in the studied population.