Evolution of macroglands and defensive mechanisms in Leiuperinae (Anura: Leptodactylidae)

• Published in: Zoological journal of the Linnean Society Vol. 193; no. 2; pp. 388 - 412
• Main Authors: Ferraro, Daiana Paola, Pereyra, Martín Oscar, Topa, Pascual Emilio, Faivovich, Julián
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: UK Oxford University Press 01.10.2021
• Subjects: deimatism; phylogeny; predation; aposematism; bright colour; eyespots; skin secretions
• ISSN: 0024-4082; 1096-3642
• DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa149

Abstract Anurans show a wide variety of anti-predator mechanisms, and the species of the Neotropical clade Leiuperinae display several of them. Most species of Edalorhina, Physalaemus and Pleurodema show eyespots, hidden bright colours, macroglands in a inguinal/lumbar position, defensive behaviours and/or chemical defence. We conducted a histological analysis of dorsal and lumbar skin and revised the colour patterns, defensive behaviours and glandular secretions to study the diversity and evolution of anti-predator mechanisms associated with macroglands. We describe 17 characters and optimize these in a phylogenetic hypothesis of Leiuperinae. In the most recent common ancestor of Edalorhina + Engystomops + Physalaemus + Pleurodema, a particular type of serous gland (the main component of macroglands) evolved in the lumbar skin, along with the absence of the Eberth–Katschenko layer. A defensive behaviour observed in leiuperines with macroglands includes four displays (‘crouching down’ behaviour, rear elevation, body inflation and eye protection), all present in the same ancestor. The two elements associated with aposematism (hidden bright colours and eyespots) evolved independently in several species. Our results provide phylogenetic evidence for the startle-first hypothesis, which suggests that behavioural displays arise as sudden movements in camouflaged individuals to avoid predatory attacks, before the origin of bright coloration.