Zoophagy in the Larvae of Ibero-Maghrebian Spade-foot Toads

Abstract

Abstract: The ecological role of anuran larvae is usually defined as a primary consumer. Recent studies have shown, however, that some grazing–rasping species consume animal matter on a regular basis. We investigated zoophagy in two species of Spade-foot Toads (Pelobates cultripes and Pelobates varaldii). The larvae of both species showed no specific morphological adaptations for macrophagy but are very large and inhabit invertebrate-rich ponds under prolonged summer drought conditions. We hypothesized that both species would consume animals having high nutritional value, and that there would be no difference between the two species in terms of the animals consumed, because tadpoles are broad dietary generalists. We also hypothesized that the consumption of animals would vary during development based on the size limitations of the oral cavity. Examination of the intestinal contents of P. varaldii and P. cultripes indicated that they had consumed a wide range of invertebrates, as predicted. Differences in ...