Colouration in amphibians as a reflection of nutritional status: The case of tree frogs in Costa Rica.

ABSTRACT: Colouration has been considered a cue for mating success in many species; ornaments in males often are related to carotenoid mobilization towards feathers and/or skin and can signal general health and nutrition status. However, there are several factors that can also link with status, such as physiological blood parameters and body condition, but there is not substantial evidence which supports the existence of these relationships and interactions in anurans. This study evaluated how body score and blood values interact with colouration in free-range Agalychnis callidryas and Agalychnis annae males. We found significant associations between body condition and plasmatic proteins and haematocrit, as well as between body condition and colour values from the chromaticity diagram. We also demon

SUBMITTER: Brenes-Soto A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5570269 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature