Drymarchon corais(Colubridae) andCaiman crocodilus(Alligatoridae) use different feeding behaviors to consume poisonous toads

Abstract

Drymarchon corais and Caiman crocodilus are reported here using different feeding behaviors for consuming poisonous toads of the genus Rhinella (Bufonidae). Drymarchon corais was observed feeding on specimens of Rhinella diptycha without avoiding contact with the parotoid macroglands, suggesting that this snake species is immune to toad toxins. Caiman crocodilus was recorded avoiding contact with the parotoid macroglands of specimens of Rhinella marina by consuming only the front and rear legs, suggesting that this caiman may be sensitive to toad toxins. Further experimental and field studies are needed to better understand the feeding behavior of D. corais and C. crocodilus and the effects of Rhinella toxins on these predators. Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.

THE SPETACLED CAIMAN (Caiman crocodilus, CROCODYLIA, ALLIGATORIDAE) AS A PREDATOR OF THE AMAZON SAILFIN-CATFISH (Pterygoplichthys pardalis, SILURIFORMES, LORICARIDAE)

“…A photographic record of an adult C. crocodilus holding a specimen of P. pardalis was first presented by Yves et al (2021), but there is no information available to the predation event. The new record of predation events accompanied by information on food items consumed by C. crocodilus based on literature survey are important to improve our understanding about the feeding behavior of this caiman (Oda et al, 2022), and its role as a trophic agent in the food web (Miranda, 2017).…”

“…The search terms used in this survey were: "Caiman crocodilus" "diet", "feeding", "predation", "prey". We also checked the complete natural history notes section of the scientific journals (respective range of dates displayed under parenthesis): Herpetological Review (1967), Herpetological Bulletin (2008), Herpetology Notes (2008-2022), Herpetozoa (1988-2022), and Mesoamerican Herpetology (2014-2018. Other references cited by the publications recovered by the primary bibliographic survey were obtained from three on-line databases: the repository of Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (https://repositorio.museu-goeldi.br/), Semantic Scholar (https://www.semanticscholar.org/) and Biodiversity Heritage Library (https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/).…”