Abstract
ABSTRACT Knowledge on the trophic ecology of many microhylids is still incipient. Here, we investigated the diet composition of Elachistocleis helianneae in an urban forest in the Brazilian eastern Amazon and compared it with other Microhylidae species from South America. Specimens were collected during the rainy season. In total, 63 stomachs were examined, and 38 stomachs (60.3%) contained identifiable items. We identified eight taxonomic categories for males and females. The estimated prey richness indicated that the sampled stomachs were representative. The most important prey category for both males and females was the ant genus Solenopsis, based on the Importance Value Index. The analysis of prey-specific abundance indicated that Solenopsis was dominant, with more than half of the individuals consuming it. The diet of E. helianneae was more similar to that of E. pearsei from Colombia, and both species grouped with other microhylids from the Amazon biome, such as Chiasmocleis hudsoni and C. shudikarensis. The study provides insights into the trophic ecology of Elachistocleis helianneae, highlighting its preference for consuming ants.
Published Version
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