We assessed the role of habitat structure in the outcome of predation by measuring how aquatic vegetation influences predation rates of water bugs (Belostoma oxyurum (Dufour, 1863), Hemiptera, Belostomatidae) on tadpoles of Dendropsophus minutus (Peters, 1872) and Scinax curicica Pugliese, Pombal, and Sazima, 2004 (Anura, Hylidae). Considering that previous studies have shown that some tadpole species preferentially use microhabitats with aquatic vegetation at sites in southeastern Brazil, we hypothesized that these tadpoles may select such complex microhabitats because they can offer some protection against co-occurring predatory aquatic insects. We used field enclosures containing tadpoles of D. minutus and S. curicica and one predator (B. oxyurum), placed on natural substrata in sites both with and without aquatic vegetation, according to treatment. We measured the combined effects of predation and habitat structure on the survivorship of tadpoles, monitoring each enclosure daily during 10 days to survey surviving tadpoles. Treatments with predators reduced tadpole survivorship significantly in relation to controls for both tadpole species. The interaction between predator and vegetation was also significant, predation rates being lower when vegetation was present.

Microhabitat use is an important component of anuran behavior in both the tadpole and the adult stages. It is potentially influenced by phylogeny and extant ecological factors acting as selective pressures, such as predation, competition, or physical habitat properties. We aimed to test whether patterns of microhabitat use vary among species, habitats and sites, and how much of this variation can be explained by phylogenetic relatedness. We collected data on microhabitat use at five different sites, where we obtained a total of 4,230 records of individual tadpoles of 34 species in 15 genera and 7 families, and a total of 1,163 records of adult individuals of 39 species in 16 genera and 8 families. Mantel tests conducted to relate species dissimilarities in microhabitat use and phylogenetic relatedness indicated a weak but significant relationship for adult anurans, and no relationship for tadpoles. Our results suggest that microhabitat use is a plastic and variable trait, overcoming phylogenetic signal in tadpoles. In adult anurans, very little of the variation in microhabitat use can be explained by phylogenetic relatedness. Microhabitat use is not a good predictor of phylogeny, but it may be a very interesting subject to study natural selection and adaptation.

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Little is known about amphibian communities on Brazilian restingas (coastal sand dune scrublands). This study presents a first approximation to the list of anuran species from the restinga of Baixada do Maciambu, Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. We sampled using three methods (pitfall traps with drift fences, transect of active search, and surveys at breeding sites) from July 2007 to April 2010. We recorded 15 species in six families, of which Hylidae was represented by the greatest number of species. Compared to other Brazilian restinga habitats, the species richness we recorded at the Baixada do Maciambu is similar to that reported for restingas of Rio de Janeiro state, but lower than that reported for restingas in São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul and Bahia states, Brazil.

ResumoA Mata Atlântica é uma área prioritária para a conservação de anfíbios, com algumas regiões que ainda apresentam lacunas de conhecimento. Analisamos a composição e riqueza das espécies de anuros em área de floresta ombrófila densa da Serra do Tabuleiro, a variação sazonal da riqueza e a atividade diária dos machos em turnos de vocalização. Amostramos os anuros em duas lagoas permanentes e em uma trilha no interior da floresta durante 14 meses. Registramos 32 espécies de anuros, das quais Aplastodiscus cochranae, A. ehrhardti e Hypsiboas poaju estão na lista de espécies ameaçadas do estado. O maior número de espécies esteve associado à primavera e ao verão. As espécies de anuros mais frequentes foram H. bischoffi, Adenomera araucaria e Physalaemus nanus, registradas durante todo o período estudado. A atividade diária dos machos esteve concentrada entre 20:00 e 24:00, mas algumas espécies continuaram vocalizando durante a madrugada, indicando que a atividade vocal pode diferir entre as espécies submetidas às mesmas condições climáticas. A diversidade de anuros registrada em nosso estudo foi alta, incluindo espécies ameaçadas e espécies com pouco conhecimento biológico, reforçando a relevância da Serra do Tabuleiro como área prioritária para a conservação da Mata Atlântica. Palavras-chave:Anfíbios; Atividade diária; Riqueza de espécies; Sazonalidade; Sul do Brasil AbstractAnuran amphibians in an Atlantic Forest area at Serra do Tabuleiro, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The Atlantic Forest is a priority area for the conservation of amphibians, with some regions already showing knowledge gaps. We analyzed the composition and richness of anuran species in an area of dense ombrophilous forest at Serra do Tabuleiro, the seasonal richness variation, and the daily activity of males during vocalization shifts. We collected samples of anurans from two permanent ponds and from a track within the forest for 14 months. We recorded 32 anuran species, among which Aplastodiscus cochranae, A. ehrhardti, and Hypsiboas poaju are

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