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Behavioral Isolation of the Tree Frogs, Hyla cinerea and Hyla andersonii

1974; University of Notre Dame; Volume: 91; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.2307/2424332

1938-4238

H. Carl Gerhardt,

Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior

The results of a cross between the tree frogs Hyla andersonii and H. cinerea indicate a high level of genetic compatibility. Reproductive contact between the two species in the area of sympatry in North Carolina is minimal because of breeding habitat differences. The mating calls of the two species are similar, in many respects, but differ in average call-repetition rate and in spectral composition. In discrimination experiments with females of both species, each animal initially responded to the mating calls of a male of its species. However, females of H. andersonii often responded to the calls of H. cinerea when these were closer and thus relatively more intense than conspecific calls. Females of H. cinerea were more selective in that they consistently responded to conspecific calls even when those of H. andersonii were closer. Hybridization between the two species may occur in areas where habitat isolation breaks down and mixed breeding aggregations form.