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Opportunistic Predatory Behaviour in Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) Tadpoles


Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Baripada 757 003, India
2 Plot No. 1573/01, Udyapuri (Gandamunda), Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar 751 030, India
 

We report in situ and ex situ observations on interand intra-specific predatory behaviour in tadpoles of the common Asian toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus. In situ D. melanostictus tadpoles feed on conspecific eggs, tadpoles of various developmental stages and adult carrion as well as dead heterospecific (Fejervarya orissaensis and Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis) tadpoles. Predation of weak, feebly swimming larvae and metamorphs in seminatural habitats under optimum conditions seems to be an opportunistic behaviour and diet enrichment, which needs additional support. Our observations support earlier reports indicating gradual desiccation, food shortage, competition and density as the probable factors of predation in temporary habitats.

Keywords

Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Predation, Tadpole, Scavenger.
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  • Opportunistic Predatory Behaviour in Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) Tadpoles

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Authors

Susmita Mahapatra
Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Baripada 757 003, India
Sushil K. Dutta
Plot No. 1573/01, Udyapuri (Gandamunda), Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar 751 030, India
Gunanidhi Sahoo
Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Baripada 757 003, India

Abstract


We report in situ and ex situ observations on interand intra-specific predatory behaviour in tadpoles of the common Asian toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus. In situ D. melanostictus tadpoles feed on conspecific eggs, tadpoles of various developmental stages and adult carrion as well as dead heterospecific (Fejervarya orissaensis and Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis) tadpoles. Predation of weak, feebly swimming larvae and metamorphs in seminatural habitats under optimum conditions seems to be an opportunistic behaviour and diet enrichment, which needs additional support. Our observations support earlier reports indicating gradual desiccation, food shortage, competition and density as the probable factors of predation in temporary habitats.

Keywords


Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Predation, Tadpole, Scavenger.

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.18520/cs%2Fv112%2Fi08%2F1755-1759