Abstract
A study was done on sympatric populations of Plethodon glutinosus and P. dorsalis in northwestern Arkansas to determine the relative distribution of the two species and the relationship between their distribution and the utilization of available prey. Upon capture, total length, location, and habitat type were recorded for each salamander. Stomach content samples were obtained by forced regurgitation, and the animals were released. Samples of the local litter fauna were taken to determine prey availability. Habitat data were obtained for 171 salamanders; 76 P. glutinosus and 95 P. dorsalis. Stomach content samples were taken from 67 salamanders; 32 P. glutinosus and 35 P. dorsalis. An apparent relationship was found between environment and utilization of certain prey taxa. Prey related factors, such as relative size of prey and salamander, were also found to affect utilization. Both species were euryphagic.
Recommended Citation
Britton, James M.
(1981)
"Microhabitat Distribution and its Effect of Prey Utilization in Sympatric Populations of Plethodon glutinosus and Plethodon dorsalis in Northwestern Arkansas,"
Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 35, Article 8.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol35/iss1/8
