Feeding habits of Physalaemus biligonigerus (Anura, Leptodactylidae) from soybean field of Córdoba Province, Argentina

Abstract

Detailed investigation of feeding habits in anurans may help us to understand the ecological significance of them in a particular habitat. In this sense, diet composition of anuran living inside soybean field is scarce. We examined the diet of Physalaemus biligonigerus in soybean field of Córdoba Province, Argentina. A total of 27 frogs (n = 14 females and n = 13 males) were analyzed to assess gastrointestinal contents. Indeed, snout vent length, body mass and sexes were also recorded. A total of 418 prey items was found, being Pheidole sp. (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) and Armadillium vulgare (Crustacea, Isopoda) the most important preys. The diet composition of frog was compared with prey relative abundance in soybean field, estimated by pitfall traps. There were no significant correlation (ô = 0.48, p > 0.05). Selectivity analysis showed positive values for Formicidae and Isoptera. Thus, Isopoda was consumed in the same proportion as occurrence in the environment. No significant differences were detected between females and males diet composition. Finally, we suggest that P. biligonigerus should be considered as potential biocontrol agents of noxious arthropods in soybean field.