Bromeliad treefrogs as phoretic hosts of ostracods.

Aquatic organisms can use many methods of dispersal among discrete freshwater habitats, and phoresy is an important but poorly understood mechanism. Tank bromeliads are small and unconnected habitats used by many animals, and some of them use phoresy for dispersal. Ostracods living in bromeliads used treefrogs as phoretic hosts for dispersal. We investigated the distribution of phoretic ostracods among body parts of treefrogs (Scinax littoreus and Scinax perpusillus), the prevalence and intensity of ostracods (Elpidium sp.) between Scinax species, and the prevalence and mean intensity of ostracods among the frogs in wet vs. dry seasons in two inselbergs areas at Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil). There were significant differences among the body parts occupied by ostracods and between the Scinax species. Seasonal differences were found only for S. littoreus showing greater abundance during the wet season. Additionally, we record Scinax cuspidatus and Thoropa miliaris as new phoretic hosts for Elpidium sp. to use phoresy.