Dendropsophus minutus coloration is influenced by habitat use (Anura, Dendropsophini)

Body coloration is a crucial trait in anuran biology influenced by many selective pressures, affecting their reproductive success and survival. Although studies have shown that anuran populations’ coloration differs according to habitats use, the understanding of the influence of different vegetation cover is very limited. This study investigates the relationship between body coloration and environmental factors in the widely distributed species Dendropsophus minutus. Using in situ photography, we measured colorimetric variables (hue, saturation, and brightness) from individuals in forested and grassland areas and analyzed them with linear models. Our findings revealed a significant difference in color saturation between habitats, with higher saturation in grassland populations. No significant differences were found in hue or brightness. The higher saturation in open habitats may be linked to greater reproductive effort due to greater environmental stress, while lower saturation in forested areas could be a response to light conditions. These findings suggest that environmental factors such as vegetation cover exert selective pressures on anuran coloration, and have implications in the conservation of anuran populations amid environmental changes.