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Predator-prey relationships among larval dragonflies, salamanders, and frogs
J P Caldwell1, J H Thorp1, T O Jervey1
1Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, 29801, Aiken, S.C., USA.
Oecologia
|March 18, 2017
Summary
Barking tree frog tadpoles survive predation through rapid growth, habitat partitioning, immobility responses, and disruptive coloration. These adaptations help Hyla gratiosa tadpoles evade predators like salamander larvae and dragonfly larvae.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Herpetology
- Predator-prey dynamics
Background:
- Barking tree frog (Hyla gratiosa) tadpoles are common in South Carolina aquatic habitats.
- Predators such as salamander larvae (Ambystoma talpoideum) and dragonfly larvae (Anax junius) pose a threat to tadpole survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the survival strategies of Hyla gratiosa tadpoles against Ambystoma talpoideum and Anax junius.
- To determine the roles of tadpole growth, habitat preference, and defensive behaviors in predator avoidance.
Main Methods:
- Field surveys to assess densities and sizes of tadpoles and predators.
- Laboratory predation experiments to observe predator-prey interactions.
- Analysis of tadpole growth rates and behavioral responses.
Main Results:
- Hyla gratiosa tadpoles grow quickly, exceeding the capture size of Ambystoma talpoideum.
- Anax junius larvae can prey on slightly larger tadpoles than Ambystoma talpoideum.
- Habitat partitioning between tadpoles and predators likely reduces encounters.
- Tadpoles exhibit immobility responses and disruptive coloration for predator evasion.
Conclusions:
- Hyla gratiosa tadpoles employ multiple strategies to mitigate predation pressure.
- Rapid growth, habitat selection, and behavioral/morphological defenses are key to tadpole survival.
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