Trophic ecology of Lithobates brownorum (ANURA: RANIDAE) in an ecotone of Tabasco, Mexico
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v15i5.50949Keywords:
Amphibian, Diversity, Trophic specialization, Stomach flushing, Prey.Abstract
The objective of the study was to describe the trophic ecology and microhabitat use of Lithobates brownorum in an ecotone in Tabasco, Mexico, from June to December 2023. Food availability was assessed using UV and pitfall traps. The diversity of consumed prey and dietary evenness were calculated using the true diversity indices 0D, 1D and 2D. The average taxonomic distinctness (Δ+) of the consumed prey was determined. The importance of prey items in the diet was calculated using the Relative Frequency Index (RFI%), and microhabitat use was analyzed with a chi-square test. A total of 30 positive stomach flushes were obtained. Prey richness (0D) did not differ from the number of orders captured in the traps; however, 1D and 2D showed that stomach flushes were more diverse than what was captured in the traps. The average taxonomic distinctness index (Δ+) showed a value of 2.08. Similarity between consumed prey and the orders captured in traps showed values above 80%. Coleoptera was the most heavily preyed-upon order, with an RFI% = 22.22%. The microhabitats used by L. brownorum showed statistically significant differences. In conclusion, the diet of L. brownorum is dominated by insects. This dietary pattern, together with the low values of the standardized trophic breadth index and average taxonomic distinctness, provides evidence of a greater degree of feeding selectivity than is commonly assumed for the genus Lithobates.
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