PARENTAL CARE IN THE FROG, PHILAUTUS-VARIABILIS (GUNTHER)

During breeding season gravid females Philautus variabilis were attrac ted by calling males. They have moved towards the males. Male suddenly grasped the female resulting in an axillary amplexus. After 8-10 hour s females began to ovulate. 60-62 large sized unpigmented eggs were de posited in single clutch. Soon after the spawning the females began to collect the spreadout eggs beneath the abdomen using fore and Bind li mbs. Meanwhile, male moved towards the female. Females aggressively at tacked the male by their forelimbs to chase away the intruder. Under t he laboratory conditions females guarded the eggs for three hours. P. variabilis exhibits parental care by egg attendance.