Feeding behavior in adult Taricha

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Packer, Wayne C.

Source:

Copeia, American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH), Volume 1961, Issue 3, p.351-352 (1961)

Call Number:

A61PAC01IDUS

URL:

http://www.jstor.org/stable/1439814

Keywords:

red-bellied newt, roughskin newt, Taricha granulosa, Taricha rivularis

Abstract:

During spring 1959, between 28 February and 27 March, 35 Taricha rivularis and 20 T. granulosa were collected from sympatric breeding populations in a tributary of the Wheatfield Fork of the Gualala River, Sonama County, California, and their stomachs examined. In T. granulosa, adults or larvae of 29 terrestrial and 6 aquatic organisms were found. While the stomachs of the two species contained organisms common to both (15, all terrestrial), the stomachs of rivularis contained 25 terrestrial forms only. This was true of those that had recently entered the water as well as those collected on land. Both species clearly appeared to be opportunistic feeders, though T. rivularis restricts its feeding to land. Observations in this study reveal a clear difference in feeding behavior which reflects their habitat preferences (T. granulosa being considerably more aquatic than rivularis) and is not associated with breeding physiology.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology