A Granular Toad (Rhinella major) was observed sitting on top of an adult Rococo Toad (Rhinella schneideri) as it called to attract a mate (Fig 1A). After remaining motionless for ten minutes, the Rococo Toad decided to leave the pond. When the Granular Toad realized that it was not calling on top of a rock, it responded immediately by grasping the Rococo Toad in cephalic amplexus (Fig 1B).
What’s striking is the difference in body size between these two species: the maximum size for female Granular Toads is 80 mm SVL (snout to vent length), but female Rococo Toads can grow to over 200 mm SVL! The Rococo Toad being amplexed was at least two times the maximum size of an average female Granular Toad, but the pair did not seem to mind. They were in amplexus for at least an additional 20 minutes.
Schalk, C.M. 2016. Rhinella major and Rhinella schneideri (Granular and Rococo Toad). Reproductive Behavior. Herpetological Review. 47:120-121.
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