Abstract

Herein, we describe the tadpoles of Trachycephalus imitatrix and T. dibernardoi and the advertisement call of T. imitatrix. We also provide novel natural history data from a population in southeastern Brazil. The tadpoles are overall similar to those of other congeneric species, but can be distinguished from them by the following combination of characteristics: clumped submarginal papillae, lateral line conspicuous, buccal roof area lacking papillae, and seven postnarial papillae. The advertisement call of T. imitatrix is very similar to that of T. nigromaculatus, but distinguished through its lower dominant frequency. Additionally, both spectral and temporal features of the call can distinguish T. imitatrix from other congeneric species. Our results help understand the differentiation of larval and acoustical characteristics within the genus Trachycephalus.