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- Title
Predation of a Dry Forest Toad, Incilius coccifer, by a Blue-Diademed Motmot, Momotus lessonii, in Western Central Valley, Costa Rica.
- Authors
MANUEL MORA, JOSÉ; RODRÍGUEZ, MIGUEL A.
- Abstract
The Dry Forest Toad, Incilius coccifer, is a relatively large species, with males reaching up to 69 mm in standard length and females growing up to 99 mm. This toad species exhibits a preference for relatively open and disturbed environments within various forest types and semi-open areas, although sightings in forested habitats have occasionaly been noted. Similar habitat types are inhabited by the Blue-diademed Motmot, Momotus lessonii, an omnivorous bird that consumes fruits, insects, and several small vertebrates. On October 15, 2023 at 06:02 h, we observed a Dry Forest Toad being preyed upon by a Blue-diademed Motmot in the Tropical Premontane Moist Forest at Palmares, Alajuela, Costa Rica, at an elevation of 1,145 meters. This toad possesses toxins on its skin and parotid glands; however, apparently, this does not deter the motmot from preying on it. Nevertheless, further information is needed about the frequency and impact of this ecological interaction.
- Subjects
COSTA Rica; TOADS; MOMOTIDAE
- Publication
Caribbean Journal of Science, 2023, Vol 53, Issue 2, p391
- ISSN
0008-6452
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.18475/cjos.v53i2.a20