STRUCTURE AND VARIATION OF RANA RIDIBUNDA MATING CALL IN ISRAEL (AMPHIBIA: ANURA)

ABSTRACT

The mating calls of Rana ridibunda in Israel are made up of pulse groups which are separated by distinct intervals. Ambient temperature affects a number of call parameters. At increasing water temperature the duration of the pulse groups and the intervals between them decrease, while the number of pulse groups per call and per unit of time increases. Call duration is also affected, but this change is obvious only in calls consisting of the same number of pulse groups. The length of the animals also influences call parameters. At increasing size the number of pulse groups per call and the duration of the pulse groups increase, whereas the intervals between the pulse groups decrease. The mean call duration does not change, but there is a marked increase in intercall intervals.