Mate choice in the neotropical frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui

Abstract

The degree of intra-populational variation in male body size and condition, as well as spectral and temporal features of the advertisement call (‘co qui’), was extensive in a population of Eleutherodactylus coqui at El Verde, Puerto Rico. Dominant frequency of the ‘qui’ note was significantly, although weakly, associated with male body size and condition; call rate was not associated with either male attribute. In both laboratory two-choice trials and natural observations of courtship initiation, females showed no preference for call dominant frequency, but a strong preference for calls of relatively high rate. All mated males called at a rate that was greater than both the populational average and the average rate for unmated males, and all males reached their peak calling effort (maximum number of calls produced per minute) prior to 2300 hours. No size-assortative mating or large-male advantage regarding mating success was observed. Therefore, differential male mating success is not manifested through size-related variation in the spectral qualities of the advertisement call in this population of E. coqui. However, males may enhance their mating opportunities by calling rapidly, early in the night.