Signals from predators, injured conspecifics, and pesticide modify the swimming behavior of the gregarious tadpole of the Dorbigny’s Toad, <i>Rhinella dorbignyi</i> (Anura: Bufonidae)

Tadpoles detect chemical signals released from predators and conspecifics, as well those present in the environment, adjust their behavioral responses. This study evaluated swimming activity of Dorbigny’s Toad (Rhinella dorbignyi (Duméril Bibron, 1841)) tadpoles exposed to signals, including cues a predator fish, marbled swamp eel (Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch, 1795), an injured conspecific; sublethal concentration insecticide cypermethrin; combination. Swimming behavior (total distance moved, mean speed, global activity, number contacts between tadpoles) was individual (1) groups different size (3, 5, 7, 10 using video-tracking software tool. Predator exposure modified parameters, reducing encounters with and, therefore, mortality. Total moved speed increased trials involving 1 tadpole 3 interacting whereas all group sizes, showing that gregarious may be affected by alarm disrupted. The treatments (alone combined) parameters causing hyperactivity due its neurotoxic effect. responses observed after environmental sizes normal ecological dynamics tadpoles.