Terrestrial Egg Deposition and Direct Development in Arenophyrne rotunda Tyler, a Myobatrachid Frog from Coastal Sand Dunes at Shark Bay, W. A

Abstract

A. rotunda occurs on the periphery of the arid zone from Shark Bay to Kalbarri, W.A. In August and November, males call on the sand surface after rain, and also call underground. The male call is triphasic, showing similarities to calls of some Pseudophryne species. Pairs form by late spring and spend at least 5 months together underground over the summer. Eggs mature during summer but are not deposited until April, in mid-autumn. Eggs were found at a depth of 80 cm in moist sand. Development occurs entirely within the egg capsule. This breeding system is very similar to that of Myobatrachus gouldii, confirming earlier suggestions of a close relationship of these two genera.