Amphibien als Transporteure limnischer Muschelkrebse: Ein Parameter zur Analyse der Verteilung von Bombina variegata

Abstract

Phoresis of the ostracod species Cyclocypris ovum on yellow-bellied toads (Bombina variegata) was studied in an area of temporary pools in northeastern Austria. Based on the assumption that infested toads have been staying in areas of high ostracod abundance, the high percentage of toads with attached ostracods (18.9%) made it possible to use the phenomenon to analyse the dispersal of toads to aquatic sites. Males had a significantly higher attachment rate. A lower percentage infestation of paired toads (9.3%) could be interpreted as due to change in microhabitat during breeding activity. The highest rate of infestation was registered for males at high levels in the pools, showing that males have a tendency to crowd at peripheral areas of shallow water. © 1990, Brill. All rights reserved.