Differential predation on tadpoles influences the potential effects of hybridization between Hyla cinerea and Hyla gratiosa

Journal of Herpetology
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Abstract

Long-term effects of hybridization and introgression are influenced by performance of hybrids in habitats of parental species. The treefrogs Hyla cinerea and Hyla gratiosa, which typically breed in permanent and temporary habitats, respectively, have occasionally hybridized throughout the Southeastern United States. To predict in which of the parental habitats effects of hybridization might be strongest, I performed experiments to evaluate predation on tadpoles of H. cinereaH. gratiosa, and F1 hybrids with predators typical of the breeding habitats of the parental species. Hybrid tadpoles had lower survival with sunfish than odonate naiad (dragonfly) predators and tended to increase hiding behavior in response to sunfish predation. Tadpoles of H. gratiosa also had higher survival with odonates than sunfish, but H. cinerea had similar survival with both predator types. These results suggest that hybrids are most likely to survive and return to breed in temporary habitats used by H. gratiosa. Thus, hybridization and introgression might be more likely to have adverse effects on populations of H. gratiosa than H. cinerea.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Differential predation on tadpoles influences the potential effects of hybridization between Hyla cinerea and Hyla gratiosa
Series title Journal of Herpetology
DOI 10.1670/226-04N.1
Volume 39
Issue 4
Year Published 2005
Language English
Publisher The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles
Description 6 p.
First page 682
Last page 687
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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