Predation on Eggs of Dendropsophus haddadi (Bastos & Pombal, 1996) (Anura: Hylidae) by the Social Wasp Angiopolybia pallens (Lepeletier, 1836) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae)

Abstract

Trophic relations are paramount in understanding the dimensions of a species’ niche. While we commonly perceive insects as natural prey for amphibians, the reverse is also true. This study shows how wasps can exploit amphibian spawnings as a food resource. Specifically, we present unprecedented predation events, where the social wasp Angiopolybia pallens prey upon the eggs of the anuran Dendropsophus haddadi. These remarkable observations occurred within the cocoa agroforestry system (cabruca) in the Atlantic Rainforest area in southern Bahia, Brazil. This research contributes significantly to our understanding of trophic interactions in the region by revealing such particular predation dynamics in this biodiversity hotspot.