Contrasted influences of moon phases on the reproduction and movement patterns of four amphibian species inhabiting different habitats in central Italy

摘要: Many studies have provided evidence that prey adjust their behaviour to adaptively balance the fitness effects of reproduction and predation risk. Nocturnal terrestrial animals should deal with a range environmental conditions during reproductive season at breeding sites, including variable amount natural ambient light. High degrees illumination are expected minimize those behaviours might increase animal detection by predators. Therefore, under habitat brightness in different ecosystems, above mentioned depend on variation Although moon amphibian biology been recognized, direction this influence is rather controversial evidences both increased depressed activity full moon. We tested four nocturnal species (Hyla intermedia, Rana dalmatina, italica, Salamandrina perspicillata) (i) light (ii) habitats (open land vs. dense forest) phenology. Our results showed lunar cycle study associated change luminosity, there no an endogenous rhythm controlled biological clocks. The type conditioned strategy relation phases. Open breeders (e.g., ponds canopy cover) strongly avoided high brightness, whereas forest were apparently unaffected Indeed, for all studied phase itself considered metrics found. Rather, seem be mainly moonlight irrespective phase. two anurans spawning open oviposition timing balancing risk detected predators reproduction.