Comportamento defensivo de Odontophrynus americanus (Duméril & Bibron, 1841) (Amphibia, Anura, Odontophrynidae)

Abstract

Anurans are a common prey of various animals and some species have developed defense mechanisms against predators. One of these mechanisms is the stiff-legged, in which individuals change their posture to a flat body with stiff and stretched members. Here we report the first record of this behavior in Odontophrynus americanus, a small toad widespread in the southern portion of South America. We believe that this behavior aims to reduce the chances of being seen by the predator.