Predation of treefrogs (Anura: Hylidae) with toxic skin secretions by the black lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus, Callitrichinae)

Abstract

We report on the predation of a veined treefrog (Trachycephalus venulosus) and an ocellated treefrog (Itapotihyla langsdorffii), both species with noxious skin secretions, by black lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysopygus). The two predation events took place in Morro do Diabo State Park, an Atlantic Forest reserve in southeastern Brazil. The veined treefrog was removed from a tree hollow by an adult male, whereas the ocellated treefrog was caught on the ground after it jumped from the tree attempting to escape capture. The frogs were completely ingested and no food sharing occurred in either of the events. We did not observe any signs of irritation during the event or when the group was followed in the next day in either of the cases. These are the first reports of lion tamarins ingesting anurans with noxious secretions on the skin.