Mode of hybridogenesis and habitat preferences influence population composition of water frogs (<i>Pelophylax esculentus</i> complex, Anura: Ranidae) in a region of sympatric occurrence (western Slovakia)

Coexistence of sperm-dependent asexual hybrids with their sexual progenitors depends on genetic and ecological interactions between sexual and asexual forms. In this study, we investigate genotypic composition, modes of hybridogenetic gametogenesis and habitat preferences of European water frogs (Pelophylax esculentus complex) in a region of sympatric occurrence. Pelophylax esculentus complex comprises parental species P. ridibundus and P. lessonae, whose primary hybridization leads to hybridogenetic lineages of P. esculentus. Hybrids clonally transmit one parental genome and mate with the other parental species, forming a new generation of hybrids. In the region of western Slovakia, we found syntopic occurrence of diploid and triploid hybrids with P. lessonae, syntopic occurrence of all three taxa as well as the existence of pure P. ridibundus populations. All triploid hybrids were exclusively male possessing one ridibundus and two different lessonae genomes (RLL). Sex ratio in diploid hybrids was substantially female-biased. Irrespective of the population composition, diploid hybrids excluded the lessonae genome from their germ line and produced ridibundus gametes. Contrarily, RLL males unequivocally eliminated the ridibundus genome and produced diploid lessonae sperms. Perpetuation of RLL males in studied populations is most likely achieved by their mating with diploid hybrid females. The composition of water frog populations is also shaped by taxon-specific habitat preferences. While P. ridibundus preferred larger water bodies (gravelpits, fishery ponds, dead river arms), P. lessonae was most frequently found in marshes and smaller sandpits. Pelophylax esculentus occupied predominately similar habitats as its sexual host P. lessonae.