Predation of Carollia perspicillata (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) by South American Pepper Frog (Leptodactylus labyrinthicus): unraveling the predator-prey relationship in caves

Abstract

Reporting predator-prey interactions is useful for understanding the hunting and defense strategies of the species involved, contributing to reducing knowledge gaps in trophic ecology, behavioral ecology, and natural history. Despite the dietary diversity of anurans, documented cases of anurans preying on bats are rare in the literature, particularly in specific environments such as caves. We present observations on the use of cave habitat and foraging behavior of Leptodactylus labyrinthicus, being the first record of bat predation by this frog in natural conditions. A male L. labyrinthicus was observed making successive leaps until it captured an individual of Carollia perspicillata inside the cave. This is the first recorded instance of a species of Leptodactylus actively preying on bats in full flight. We suggest that in caves with low ceilings, where bats fly close to the ground, species like L. labyrinthicus may benefit from the increased ease of capturing prey. The knowledge of the natural history of these species, especially in terms of behavior and predator-prey relationships, should be further explored, and future studies on niche issues should be approached with a greater level of complexity.