Phonotaxis in the painted reed frog (Hyperolius marmoratus) - The localization of elevated sound sources

A detailed study was conducted of the three-dimensional accuracy of phonotaxis by female Hyperolius marmoratus. This analysis involved videotape recordings of phonotactic approaches to an elevated loudspeaker through a three-dimensional grid. Females readily resolved the sound source elevation, but the jump error angles describing the precision of approach were considerably greater in this three-dimensional analysis than in the more conventional two-dimensional ground approach analysis. Extensive use was made of visual cues in elevated phonotactic approach and lateral head scanning prior to jumps, often accompanied by vertical changes in head orientation, was frequent. The ability of such small anurans to localize a sound source in both the horizontal and vertical plane is remarkable. © 1984 Springer-Verlag.