Some tree frog species spends the tadpole stage of their life in pooled water that accumulates in bromeliad plants. These frogs are often related to species that have a larval phase always associated with temporary or lentic water bodies (i.e. ponds and swamps).
Bromeliads are remarkably important for some local life. The accumulation of rainwater between their leaves provides refuge, moisture, and water for a very diverse associated fauna.
Our new treefrog was named bromeliaceus refers to the reproductive habit of the new species. The suffix aceus is Latin, meaning belonging to.
For the experts: We describe a new treefrog species of Dendropsophus collected on rocky outcrops in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Ecologically, the new species can be distinguished from all known congeners by having a larval phase associated with rainwater accumulated in bromeliad phytotelms instead of temporary or lentic water bodies. Phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data confirms that the new species is a member of Dendropsophus; our analysis does not assign it to any recognized species group in the genus. Morphologically, based on comparison with the 96 known congeners, the new species is diagnosed by its small size, framed dorsal color pattern, and short webbing between toes IV-V. The advertisement call is composed of a moderate-pitched two-note call (~5 kHz). The territorial call contains more notes and pulses than the advertisement call. Field observations suggest that this new bromeligenous species uses a variety of bromeliad species to breed in, and may be both territorial and exhibit male parental care.
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