Abstract

Many anurans are thought to be territorial only during breeding; thus these species should exhibit seasonal differences in social behavior. Aggressive behavior and site tenacity, two components of territoriality, were examined in male Rana clamitans (Green Frogs) to test for differences between breeding and nonbreeding seasons. I predicted that aggression and site tenacity should be increased during the breeding season and reduced during the nonbreeding season. Aggression (male wrestling) was observed only during the breeding season. Males moved at a constant rate regardless of size (snout–vent length) or season (breeding or nonbreeding); however, males moved greater total distances during the breeding season but restricted movements to small areas throughout the nonbreeding season.