MISDIRECTED AMPLEXUS BETWEEN A PACIFIC TREEFROG (PSEUDACRIS REGILLA) AND A WESTERN TOAD (ANAXYRUS BOREAS) IN A NORTHERN CALIFORNIA UPLAND

Abstract

Abstract Misdirected amplexus has been reported between conspecifics, congeners, between different amphibian families, and between amphibians and non-amphibian objects. We observed misdirected amplexus between a Pacific Treefrog and a Western Toad, wherein the treefrog amplexed the toad's leg. These types of events can result in reproductive interference and have also been considered an evolutionary trap for some species.