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Predator size and phenology shape prey survival in temporary ponds

  • Community Ecology
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Abstract

Theoretical efforts suggest that the relative sizes of predators and their prey can shape community dynamics, the structure of food webs, and the evolution of life histories. However, much of this work has assumed static predator and prey body sizes. The timing of recruitment and the growth patterns of both predator and prey have the potential to modify the strength of predator–prey interactions. In this study, I examined how predator size dynamics in 40 temporary ponds over a 3-year period affected the survival of spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) larvae. Across communities, gape-limited predator richness, but not size, was correlated with habitat duration (pond permanence). Within communities, mean gape-limited predator size diminished as the growing season progressed. This size reduction occurred because prey individuals grew into a body size refuge and because the largest of the predators left ponds by mid-season. Elevated gape-limited predation risk across time and space was predicted by the occurrence of two large predatory salamanders: marbled salamander larvae (Ambystoma opacum) and red-spotted newt adults (Notophthalmus viridescens). The presence of the largest gape-limited predator, A. opacum, predicted A. maculatum larval survival in the field. The distribution of large predatory salamanders among ponds and across time is expected to lead to differing community dynamics and to generate divergent natural selection on early growth and body size in A. maculatum. In general, a dynamic perspective on predator size often will be necessary to understand the ecology and evolution of species interactions. This will be especially true in frequently disturbed or seasonal habitats where phenology and ontogeny interact to determine body size asymmetries.

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Acknowledgments

Comments by D. Skelly, M. McPeek, O. Schmitz, S. Stearns, F. Juanes, and J. Urban contributed to the development and communication of these ideas. Laboratory assistance was provided by S. Bolden, M. Holland, and E. Lee. Special thanks to V. Brady for measuring salamanders. This research was supported by grants from the Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies, Yale Center for Field Studies, Carpenter–Sperry–Mellon research fund, John F. Enders fund, and Perry Miller fund. The field collection methods used in my study comply with current state and US laws.

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  1. Mark C. Urban

    Present address: National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, 735 State Street, Suite 300, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, USA

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  1. School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, 370 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA

    Mark C. Urban

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Communicated by Steven Kohler.

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Urban, M.C. Predator size and phenology shape prey survival in temporary ponds. Oecologia 154, 571–580 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-007-0856-2

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