Can energy density influence treefrog distribution and species functional traits?

Allocation and use of available energy can determine species’ life history strategies. Herein, we estimated the phylogenetic signal of energy density across nine treefrog species and tested whether energy density varied by habitat and functional traits. We estimated the relationships between energy density and species distribution and four functional traits (habitat type, body size, calling activities, and antipredator mechanisms). Energy density had a strong phylogenetic signal. Open area species tended to have higher energy density but variation among species could not be explained by species functional traits, distribution, or habitat. This study offers insights into how energy density (kcal/g dry weight) varies with the ecology of treefrog species in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.