Palatability and Predator Avoidance Behavior of Salamanders in Response to the Virginia Opossum (Didelphis Virginiana)

Hart, Shelby L.; Spicer, Mackenzie M.; Wrynn, Theresa E.; Chapman, Trevor L.; Spivey, Kari L.; Gall, Brian G.

doi:10.1674/0003-0031-181.2.245

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 45 publications

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“…We found strong evidence for attempted predation of salamander models by 3 species: Northern Raccoons were responsible for attacking 5 models, while a Virginia Opossum and an American Robin were responsible for attacking 1 model each. American Raccoons and Virginia Opossums are both generalist omnivores with an opportunistic feeding style, and both have been documented feeding upon salamanders and other amphibians (Hart et al 2019, Hurlbert 1970, Llewellyn and Uhler 1952). Likewise, American Robins are abundant in our study area and have previously been documented consuming salamanders (Brandon and Huheey 1975).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These salamanders are highly abundant in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and constitute vital links for energy and nutrient flow between these habitats (Davic and Welsh 2004). Plethodontid salamanders are generalist predators and are themselves preyed upon by large invertebrates (Jung et al 2000) and vertebrates such as birds (Fenster and Fenster 1996, Wilson and Simon 1985), snakes (Jobe et al 2019), mammals (Hart et al 2019, Llewellyn and Uhler 1952), fish (Cecala et al 2020), and other salamanders (Bock and Fauth 1992). In addition to their ecological role, plethodontid salamanders are notorious for toxic/adhesive skin secretions adapted for predator deterrence, and some species have bright coloration that functions in aposematism or mimicry (Brandon and Huheey 1975, Brandon et al 1979, Brodie et al 1974).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Clay Models and eDNA are Useful Tools for Identifying Predators of Salamanders

Shaw,

Pierson,

Holt

2023

Southeastern Naturalist

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Clay models are a popular technique for studying predation in nature due to their ease of deployment and minimal disruption of natural processes, but a drawback is the ambiguity of identifying predators based on bite marks. However, it is possible to amplify and sequence environmental DNA (eDNA) from these bite marks and to identify the predators responsible for attacking models. In this study, we sought to test the effectiveness of using eDNA from clay models as a means of identifying predators. We deployed in the field molded clay models that resemble Plethodon ventralis (Southern Zigzag Salamander). We then extracted eDNA from visible bite marks, amplified and sequenced the 12S rRNA mitochondrial locus on an Illumina MiSeq, and used BLAST to determine the identity of representative sequences. We identified likely predators as Procyon lotor (American Raccoon), Didelphis virginiana (Virginia Opossum), Turdus migratorius (American Robin), and Tamias striatus (Eastern Chipmunk). We believe that this technique is helpful for adding a layer of specificity to predation studies using clay models, albeit with a few potential pitfalls that we discuss.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clay Models and eDNA are Useful Tools for Identifying Predators of Salamanders

Shaw,

Pierson,

Holt

2023

Southeastern Naturalist

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“…would vary depending on multiple factors (e.g., the diet of the paratenic, transport, and definitive host). For example, with D. insignis, domestic dogs and cats and some wildlife species (e.g., opossum [ Didelphis virginiana ]) are more likely to consume terrestrial prey (frogs), whereas others (e.g., North American river otters) may consume more aquatic prey (fish, tadpoles, and aquatic newts) ( Schoonover and Marshall, 1951 ; Hart et al, 2019 ; Williams et al, 2018 ). Even though fish and aquatic frogs may consume large numbers of copepods, if a species is not a viable paratenic or transport host (or even if it is a viable transport or paratenic host but is not a common prey item for definitive hosts of Dracunculus spp.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Copepod consumption by amphibians and fish with implications for transmission of Dracunculus species

Box

Cleveland

Garrett

et al. 2021

International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife

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Parasitic nematodes in the genus Dracunculus have a complex life cycle that requires more than one host species in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The most well-studied species, Dracunculus medinensis , is the causative agent of human Guinea worm disease (dracunculiasis). There are several other Dracunculus species that infect non-human animals, primarily wildlife (reptiles and mammals). The classic route of D. medinensis transmission to humans is through the ingestion of water containing the intermediate host, a cyclopoid copepod, infected with third-stage larvae (L3s). However, many animal hosts (e.g., terrestrial snakes, dogs) of other Dracunculus sp. appear unlikely to ingest a large number of copepods while drinking. Therefore, alternative routes of infection (e.g., paratenic or transport hosts) may facilitate Dracunculus transmission to these species. To better understand the role of paratenic and transport hosts in Dracunculus transmission to animal definitive hosts, we compared copepod ingestion rates for aquatic species (fish, frogs [tadpoles and adults], and newts) which may serve as paratenic or transport hosts. We hypothesized that fish would consume more copepods than amphibians. Our findings confirm that African clawed frogs ( Xenopus laevis ) and fish consume copepods, but that fish ingest, on average, significantly higher numbers (68% [34/50]) than adult African clawed frogs (36% [18/50]) during a 24-h time period. Our results suggest that amphibians and fish may play a role in the transmission of Dracunculus to definitive hosts. Still, additional research is required to determine whether, in the wild, fish or frogs are serving as paratenic or transport hosts. If so, they may facilitate Dracunculus transmission. However, if these animals simply act as dead-end hosts or as means of copepod population control, they may decrease Dracunculus transmission.

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Palatability and Predator Avoidance Behavior of Salamanders in Response to the Virginia Opossum (Didelphis Virginiana)

Cited by 2 publications

References 45 publications

Clay Models and eDNA are Useful Tools for Identifying Predators of Salamanders

Clay Models and eDNA are Useful Tools for Identifying Predators of Salamanders

Copepod consumption by amphibians and fish with implications for transmission of Dracunculus species

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