Defensive behaviors in two Proceratophrys species (Anura: Odontophrynidae) from central Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract

Anurans present a wide array of defensive displays, which are exhibited in different phases of predation. There are several records of defensive behaviors for the genus Proceratophrys, most of them in species from the Atlantic Forest. Besides, few is known about such displays in Cerrado species. Herein, we report new defensive behaviors for P. goyana and P. vielliardi, of the P. cristiceps group. Both species presented immobility, body inflation and production of secretions. The stiff-legged behavior was commonly reported for the Atlantic Forest species of Proceratophrys, along with contraction. To date, body inflation, digging, and distress calls were only recorded in the P. cristiceps group. Our observations on defensive behaviors, account for the still poorly know natural history of the genus Proceratophrys.