Paternal effects on offspring traits in Scaphiopus couchi (Anura: Pelobatidae).

Maternal half-siblings sired by large male Scaphiopus couchi had higher probabilities of surviving than maternal half-sibs sired by smaller males. Half-sibs sired by large and small males did not differ in tadpole body weight, duration of larval period, number of toadlets produced, or toadlet body weight. These results suggest that which male a female mates with may influence important components of her offspring's fitness.