Age, body size and growth pattern of Argenteohyla siemersi pederseni (Anura: Hylidae) in northeastern Argentina

R. CAJADE; F. MARANGONI; E. GANGENOVA

JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY

TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2012

0022-2933

In this study we analyzed the body size, age structure, age at maturity, longevity, and the growth pattern of Argenteohyla siemersi pederseni in northeastern Argentina using skeletochronological methods. Body size was sexually dimorphic; females were significantly larger and heavier than males, regardless of age. Since A. s. pederseni is an explosive breeder with only one reproductive episode per year, we assumed that each LAG observed is equivalent to one period of decreasing growth, LAGs reflecting a direct estimation of individual age. The minimum number of LAGs counted was 2 for males and 3 for females, but there was not sexual difference in longevity. The von Bertalanffy?s growth coefficients (K) were higher in males than in females for both size and body mass. The females had a lower growth rate than males, took longer time to reach the minimum maturation size, and were older and larger at first reproduction.