The role of the "encounter" call in spacing of Pacific tree frogs, Hyla regilla

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Abstract
When calling male Pacific tree frogs come closer together than about 50 cm, they switch from the mating call to the encounter call. After an exchange of encounter calls, 1 frog may submit by retreating or ceasing to call, or they may fight, after which the loser submits. To investigate the role of the encounter call in maintaining spacing, the responses of calling males were compared to playback of encounter calls and mating calls. During 60-s playbacks, most frogs responded initially to both vocalizations by uttering encounter calls, but they were more likely to respond further to encounter calls by either attacking or submitting. The encounter call probably serves to reduce the amount of time that calling frogs remain close together and to enhance their chances of attracting females.

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