The sex life of treefrogs: how females build better nests by mating with multiple partners
Researchers are studying African grey foam-nest treefrogs to understand why females mate with multiple partners. The 'nesting-assistance' hypothesis suggests that polyandry helps females build better nests and improves offspring survival.
Why it matters
This research provides evolutionary insights into reproductive behaviors and the biological advantages of polyandry in nature.
A female typically mates with five males simultaneously, although groups of 10 to 15 are not unusual. Author supplied https://theconversation.com/the-sex-life-of-treefrogs-how-females-build-better-nests-by-mating-with-multiple-partners-285487 https://theconversation.com/the-sex-life-of-treefrogs-how-females-build-better-nests-by-mating-with-multiple-partners-285487 Link copied Share article Share article
Copy link Email Bluesky Facebook WhatsApp Messenger LinkedIn X (Twitter) Print article
African grey foam-nest treefrogs ( Chiromantis xerampelina ) are common across the savannahs and dry forests of south-eastern Africa. Despite their unremarkable outward appearance, these small animals display some of the most intriguing reproductive behaviours known to science. Most notably, the females are highly polyandrous, constructing elaborate foam nests and mating with many different male partners in a breeding season.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in