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

Our understanding of mammalian predation on salamanders is primarily restricted to small carnivorous species (i.e., shrews). We conducted a series of investigations to determine whether the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is a predator of various salamander species [Desmognathus fuscus, Plet...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American midland naturalist 2019-04, Vol.181 (2), p.245-258
Main Authors: Hart, Shelby L, Spicer, Mackenzie M, Wrynn, Theresa, Chapman, Trevor L, Spivey, Kari L, Gall, Brian G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amphibians
Animal behavior
Avoidance
Avoidance behavior
Behavior
Birds
Containers
Didelphis virginiana
Diet
Ecosystems
Food chains
Foraging behavior
Foraging habitats
Habitat preferences
Kairomones
Marsupials
Observations
Palatability
Predation
Predation (Biology)
Preferences
Reptiles & amphibians
Salamanders
Snakes
Species
Terrestrial environments
Toads
Virginia opossum
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Summary:Our understanding of mammalian predation on salamanders is primarily restricted to small carnivorous species (i.e., shrews). We conducted a series of investigations to determine whether the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is a predator of various salamander species [Desmognathus fuscus, Plethodon dorsalis, and Notophthalmus viridescens (adult and eft)] from the eastern United States. All species, including toxic newt efts, were palatable to opossums. These results suggest opossums could be an active predator of salamanders. In a second study, each terrestrial salamander species exhibited avoidance responses to kairomones from opossums indicating that despite a significant risk of mortality each salamander has evolved mechanisms to minimize predation risk. Combined with overlapping habitat preferences, foraging behavior that places them in contact, and a dietary preference for animal matter, these data suggest opossums may be an important predator on terrestrial salamanders.
ISSN:1938-4238
0003-0031
1938-4238
DOI:10.1674/0003-0031-181.2.245