Influence of the presence of invasive mosquitofish and submerged vegetation on oviposition site selection by gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor)

Abstract

Amphibians often select oviposition sites based on a variety of cues that indicate the level of risk in the oviposition habitat. Surprisingly, the role of aquatic vegetation or habitat structure/complexity in anuran oviposition site selection has not been extensively studied even though it might affect perceived risk. We examined the effects of free-ranging invasive western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) and artificial vegetation/habitat structure on colonisation of experimental pools by gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor). Hyla versicolor avoided ovipositing in mesocosms with G. affinis. The presence of artificial vegetation/habitat structure had no effect on oviposition site selection by H. versicolor, whether alone or in interaction with G. affinis. Our experiment provides evidence for the avoidance of fish, and more specifically G. affinis, by ovipositing H. versicolor; but provides no evidence for a role of vegetation/habitat structure.