Predator-prey size interaction in tropical ponds

Abstract

An experiment was set-up to see in mortality inflicted by tadpole predators de- pends on prey and predator sizes. Fish and dragonjly larvae were used as predators and two size classes of Osteocephalus taurinus tadpoles as prey. Results show that the elfect of predators is dependent on the size structure of the prey population. Fur- themwre, dragonjly larvae are more voracious predators than the fish used in the experimento Both predators occur in natural ponds where Osteocephalus taurinus lays its eggs. The timing of arrival of predators and prey, which detennines the relati- ve sizes of predators and prey, is an important factor detemúning the outcome of an episQfie of community interaction in tropical ponds, as in similar temperate systems.