Predator-prey relationships among larval dragonflies, salamanders, and frogs

Caldwell, JP; Thorp, JH; Jervey, TO

HERO ID

1597000

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1980

Language

English

PMID

28310033

HERO ID 1597000
In Press No
Year 1980
Title Predator-prey relationships among larval dragonflies, salamanders, and frogs
Authors Caldwell, JP; Thorp, JH; Jervey, TO
Journal Oecologia
Volume 46
Issue 3
Page Numbers 285-289
Abstract Tadpoles of the barking tree frog, Hyla gratiosa, are abundant in spring and summer in some ponds and Carolina bays on the Savannah River Plant near Aiken, South Carolina. To determine how these tadpoles survive in the presence of predaceous salamander larvae, Ambystoma talpoideum, and larvae of an aeshnid dragonfly, Anax junius, we determined fields densities and sizes of the predators and the prey and conducted predation experiments in the laboratory. Tadpoles rapidly grow to a size not captured by Ambystoma, although Anax larvae can capture slightly larger tadpoles. Differing habitat preferences among the tadpoles and the two predator species probably aid in reducing predation pressure. Preliminary work indicates that the tadpoles may have an immobility response to an attack by a predator. In addition, the smallest, most vulnerable tadpoles have a distinctive color pattern which may function to disrupt the body outline and make them indiscernable to predators.
Doi 10.1007/BF00346253
Pmid 28310033
Wosid WOS:A1980KK12600001
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English