ANTIPREDATOR MECHANISMS IN Proceratophrys cristiceps (ANURA, ODONTOPHRYNIDAE) (MÜLLER, 1883)

Defensive behavior in Proceratophrys

Abstract

Anurans exhibit a wide array of antipredator mechanisms in response to predation, including morphological traits such as cryptic coloration and body inflation that enhance camouflage, and conspicuous traits like aposematic coloration that serve to deter or warn predators. Physiological and behavioral responses include toxic skin secretions and defensive postures, functioning across all stages of the predation process, from detection to ingestion. These strategies are generally categorized as primary or secondary defenses. Primary defenses aim to avoid detection, whereas secondary mechanisms are triggered during predator-prey interactions and include escape behaviors, postural displays, and vocalizations. Here, we report a set of antipredator mechanisms observed in Proceratophrys cristiceps, including the first record of body contraction and death feigning in the species. The documentation of this behavior expands the known defensive repertoire of P. cristiceps and underscores the importance of continued natural history observations in Neotropical amphibians.