Summary
Timing of metamorphosis and size at metamorphosis were examined for Hyla crucifer under two densities in the laboratory. Results agree with previously known relationships for ranids and bufonids: at higher densities developmental time is longer, mean size at metamorphosis is smaller, and both parameters have greater variance than at lower densities. Density also affects energy accumulation: under ad libitum feeding conditions, an average individual raised at a higher density is able to accumulate less energy before metamorphosis than an average individual raised at a lower density. The suggestion is made that, in addition to growth and differentiation rates, energy accumulation may be important in determining when amphibian metamorphosis occurs.
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Crump, M.L. Energy accumulation and amphibian metamorphosis. Oecologia 49, 167–169 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00349184
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00349184