Toe-Twitching During Feeding in the Australian Myobatrachid Frog, Pseudophryne corroboree

摘要

A number of anuran species exhibit behaviors involving pedal movements, which have been suggested to either lure or promote activity in prey animals. A recent review has summarized this behavior from 13 taxa within seven anuran families (Sloggett and Zeilstra 2008). In some larger species that feed primarily on vertebrate prey, the movement of toes as a feeding response appears to be aimed at attracting prey (Bertoluci 2002; Hagman and Shine 2008; Murphy 1976; Radcliffe et al. 1986). This behavior is most elaborate in the South American horned frogs (Ceratophrys spp.), where toes from the rear foot are raised and waved in a luring fashion in front of the frog's mouth (Murphy 1976). In smaller species that feed predominantly on small invertebrates, toetwitching may often occur during feeding (Sloggett and Zeilstra 2008). Sloggett and Zeilstra (2008) proposed that toe-twitching in these instances may provide a vibrational stimulus to ensure that the intended prey continues to move and be detected.