How to translate text using browser tools
27 May 2022 Molecular Identification of an Avian Predator of Mimetic Salamanders
Todd W. Pierson, Jasmyne Blake-Sinclair, Benjamin Holt
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Natural field observations of salamander predation are uncommon, in some cases limiting the ability of scientists to study the evolution of toxicity, aposematism, and mimicry in these amphibians. Here, we document field observations of recently depredated salamanders: 1 Pseudotriton ruber (Red Salamander) and 2 Gyrinophilus porphyriticus (Spring Salamander), members of a putative Müllerian mimetic complex involving Notophthalmus viridescens (Eastern Newt). We used molecular methods to identify the likely avian predator of the Spring Salamanders and underscore the opportunities for future research enabled by the pairing of traditional natural history with modern molecular techniques.

Todd W. Pierson, Jasmyne Blake-Sinclair, and Benjamin Holt "Molecular Identification of an Avian Predator of Mimetic Salamanders," Southeastern Naturalist 21(2), N24-N31, (27 May 2022). https://doi.org/10.1656/058.021.0203
Published: 27 May 2022
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top