Limitation of similarity and feeding habits in three syntopic species of newts (Triturus, Amphibia)

摘要: Differences in body size between both species and sex were observed to be close Hutchinsonian ratios an assemblage of three newts (Triturus italicus, T. alpestris carnifex) southern Italy. According feeding, differences not related with a strict food niche segregation. The diet larger newt included indeed all the prey eaten by smaller but showed new types. more marked than sexes same species, despite strong sexual dimorphism size. Larger foraged wider range microhabitats exhibited greater diversity foraging tactics. Triturus italicus fed essentially on plankton chironomids shallow water at banks pond. also deeper water, particularly isopods vegetation. Prey fallen surface constituted main part carnifex diet. recent data evolution, speciation consisted reduction Our show that this process has been specialization habitat use.