Abstract
We studied the diet, niche breadth and overlap, and feeding behavior of two sympatric species of Aromobatidae, Allobates marchesianus and Anamaloglossus stepheni, from the Central Amazon. We studied the diet composition based on type and size of prey items and compared the diet between species (1987–88) and with prey availability in the habitat for A. stepheni (1997). We studied the distribution of feeding activities throughout the day and movement frequency, foraging speed (distance covered while foraging), and foraging frequency (number of feeding attempts per time) for both species. Activity peaks occurred from 0600–1200 h. Both species showed similar diets and feeding behavior, consuming Formicidae and Collembola as well as small food items (1.0–1.9 mm) in higher proportions. Movement frequency, foraging frequency, and speed were also similar for both species. Diptera, Collembola, Araneae, and Acari were preferred by Anomaloglossus stepheni, whereas Coleoptera and Formicidae were avoided. Anomaloglossus stepheni selected prey items measuring 1.0–1.9 mm, whereas they appeared to avoid items measuring 2.0–2.9 mm and ≥4 mm. Allobates marchesianus and Anomaloglossus stepheni had very similar feeding ecology at the study site in regard to foraging behavior and diet composition. Diet composition was also very similar between populations of A. stepheni studied in different time periods at the site, suggesting some stability either in prey availability or food selection. Our results suggest that, even being related and using the same habitat, these species do not diverge in their feeding habits.
Published Version
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