Work

New record of leg-interweaving behavior in Boana polytaenia (Cope, 1870) (Anura: Hylidae): an expansion of the antipredator repertoire in Neotropical anurans

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Amphibians exhibit a wide range of antipredator behaviors, such as thanatosis, alarm vocalizations, and distraction displays, aimed at reducing predation risk. Leg-interweaving is a rare antipredator behavior, characterized by crossing the hind limb over the body. Here, we report the first record of this behavior for Boana polytaenia, which represents the first documentedoccurrence within the genus. It is thought to represent a displaced behavior in an out-of-context response to stress rather than a true defense mechanism, although it is discussed to have a potential role in enhancing aposematic displays, reproductive signals, chemical defenses, physical obstruction against predation, or body pattern distortion, favoring camouflage. The inconsistent occurrence and scarce reports of leg interweaving emphasize the importance of further experimental studies to determine its functional role and ecological relevance, thereby enriching our understanding of the evolution and functional diversity of defensive strategies in anurans.

Source: El Servicio de Difusión de la Creación Intelectual (National University of La Plata)

Authors: Kobayashi Cunha, Juliana Midori, Russo, Vinícius Frederico, Camargo Matos, Luana, Correa Dória, Paulo Henrique, Sturaro, Marcelo José

Institutions: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo

Language: English

Topic: Amphibian and Reptile Biology

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

Awards: G2823776494, G5752159476, G6191138830, G8498055094

OpenAlex ID: W7162895884

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