deforestation, and mining. As a result, there are large parts of the habitat that are at risk. Conservation Efforts The Chiasmocleis ventrimaculata and Chiasmocleis species in general are not listed as threatened by the IUCN and most of the species are listed as Least concern. Population Structure, Speciation, and Phylogeny Close Relatives C. ventrimaculata has several close relatives: Chiasmocleis albopunctata; C. anatipes; C. antenori; C. avilapiresae; C. bassleri; C. carvalhoi; C. devriesi; C. haddadi, sp. nov.; C. hudsoni; C. magnova; C. papachibe, sp. nov.; C. royi, sp. nov.; C. shudikarensis; C. supercilialba; C. tridactyla. Subspecies Chiasmocleis jimi is considered a junior synonym of Chiasmocleis hudsoni. Diet The diet of the Chiasmocleis ventrimaculata is mostly ant based. They are also known to feed on mites. Reproduction and Life Cycle The eggs are deposited into large temporary ponds which form because of the rainy season. Their clutch size is typically around 400 eggs per clutch. These eggs will hatch 36 hours after fertilization. Immediately after fertilization, the frogs will hatch and remain motionless in a vertical position with their head up under the water. After 24 hours, they shift their position from a vertical to a diagonal of 45 degrees, still remaining motionless. After 48 hours, they begin to move. The froglets will leave the water after 3 weeks. These tadpoles are a nearly uniform pale brown. These tadpoles can be observed at different depths in shallow water (about 60 cm deep) and they form big, nearly motionless aggregations, in which each individual is positioned in the same direction. The main diet of these tadpoles seems to be detritus from decomposing litter and insects. Mating The Chiasmocleis ventrimaculata prefer breeding in temporary ponds in the forest. During the mating season, there is a change in the frog’s behavior. Instead of being nocturnal, these frogs become active both during the day and at night. The males will begin to chorus, or sing, during this period of time as well. These frogs are explosive breeders. During the rainy season, these frogs are found in groups of hundreds of individuals. After the first substantial rainfall (above 60 mm), males will begin to appear in nearby ponds of water and start to call. These choruses will first begin on land within leaf litter, and later from floating leaves and twigs. The females will reach the ponds by nightfall and these choruses will go on for the