Body Size and Diet of Amphiuma Means (Caudata: Amphiumidae) From Southeastern Virginia

Abstract

Abstract Body size relationships and diet was obtained largely from a sample of Two-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma means) from the Great Dismal Swamp in southeastern Virginia. Maximum body size (842 mm total length) was similar to that reported for other locations farther south in the species' range but less than the maximum known size. Adult males (x̄ SVL = 489 mm) were significantly larger than adult females (x̄ SVL = 424 mm). Tail length was linearly related to total length and was not sexually dimorphic. Log transformed body size explains 93.7% of log-body weight; the relationship did not differ between sexes. Prey consisted of several insect taxa (including bees), crayfish (Procambarus), tadpoles (Lithobates), and small fish (Umbra), further confirming that amphiumas have catholic diets.