The diet of the paradoxical frog Pseudis paradoxa in Trinidad, West Indies

Abstract

The diet of adult and late metamorphic Pseudis paradoxa in Trinidad was assessed from stomach contents. Pseudis paradoxa consumed a wide taxonomic and size range of invertebrates, mostly insects, but also arachnids, crustaceans (crabs) and annelids. There was little evidence for ontogenetic changes in prey taken, but larger females had taken larger prey than smaller individuals. Although most prey items could have been captured above the water surface, some must have been taken below the surface. The significance of these findings is discussed in the light of Pseudis's unique life history and evolution (individuals are essentially full size at metamorphosis; Adults are fully but secondarily aquatic) and in comparison with previous reports.