Resource partitioning in two stream salamanders, Dicamptodon tenebrosus and Rhyacotriton cascadae, from the Oregon Cascade Mountains

American Midland Naturalist
By:  and 

Links

Abstract

We investigated the potential for resource partitioning between the Coastal giant salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) and the Cascade torrent salamander (Rhyacotriton cascadae) by examining their diet and microhabitats in forest streams. Larval D. tenebrosus and R. cascadae fed primarily upon aquatic insect larvae. We found similar foods in larval and adult R. cascadae and combined these results. Dicamptodon larvae consumed ephemeropteran, plecopteran, and trichopteran larvae in about equal amounts whereas R. cascadae ate more trichopteran and less ephemeropteran larvae than D. tenebrosus. Diet of all R. cascadae overlapped more with smaller than larger sized D. tenebrosus larvae. Comparisons of diets with available foods indicated R. cascadae is more selective or more gape-limited in its feeding habits than D. tenebrosus larvae. The two salamanders differed in use of microhabitats in creeks, which may contribute to their diet differences.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Resource partitioning in two stream salamanders, Dicamptodon tenebrosus and Rhyacotriton cascadae, from the Oregon Cascade Mountains
Series title American Midland Naturalist
DOI 10.1674/0003-0031-172.1.191
Volume 172
Issue 1
Year Published 2014
Language English
Publisher University of Notre Dame
Publisher location Notre Dame, IN
Contributing office(s) Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Description 9 p.
First page 191
Last page 199
Country United States
State Oregon
Other Geospatial Cascade Mountains
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details