The Herpetological Journal

pp. 213-217
Authors: Yu, Tong Lei & Lu, Xin

Abstract: This study investigated the mating system of Bufo raddei during two breeding seasons at three different elevations in southwestern China. The degree of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) differed significantly among populations. However, we did not find that amplectant males were larger in SVL than non-amplectant males within each population. Similarly, forelimb length of males found amplexed with females was not significantly different to non-amplectant males among sites. Moreover, we did not find a significant correlation between the body size of males and females from amplectant pairs within any of the sites or in any of the years, showing a random mating pattern with respect to size. Thus, we suggested that the large male aggregations and short pre-spawning period may limit opportunities for large males to have advantages in mating contests and for either sex to choose a large mate at a given site. A further possible explanation is that female toads compromise on mate quality to ensure conspecific matings.

Keywords: BODY SIZE, BUFO RADDEI, MATING SYSTEM, MATE CHOICE