A spanner in the taxonomic works? A simultaneous spawning irruption of Giant Pyxicephalus adspersus and Edible P. edulis Bullfrogs

Abstract

This note reports on observations of the simultaneous breeding irruptions of Pyxicephalus adspersus and P. edulis at the same place and time on the farm Uitkoms 864 LS north of Polokwane (23° 41' 30"S, 29° 30' 23"E, QDGC 2329DA; 1192 m a.s.l.). The frogs were calling and spawning over an area of approximately 3 500 m² which comprised of a series of several shallow pools of varying degrees of interconnectedness. There was no apparent niche separation within the pools, and both species were found in all areas of the pools. Callings males were well-spaced, usually at least 30 cm between calling P. adspersus and P. edulis males. Typical of bullfrog spawning aggregations, both species exhibited aggressive behaviour, both intra- and interspecifically.