Predation on heteropterans within an assemblage of anurans at Kis-Balaton, Hungary

Taxonomic and functional groups of heteropterans consumed by six anuran species (Bombina bombina, Pelobates fuscus, Bufo bufo, Hyla arborea, Rana arvalis, Pelophylax esculentus complex) from four localities of Kis-Balaton wetland area in western Hungary were compared. Altogether 821 heteropteran specimens belonging to 76 species were found in the diet of anurans during a 5-year study. Consumed heteropteran species diversity was highest in anurans foraging in the driest microhabitats. Functional heteropteran groups were established by ecological parameters: humidity preference and vertical distribution on vegetation. Cluster analysis indicated that heteropteran diet of anurans is habitat dependent and intraspecific similarity was low between habitats. Vertical distribution of heteropterans was more strongly correlated with similarity between anuran species. Anuran species with similar foraging strategies formed separate groups in each habitat. Results support the theory that anurans having opportunistic and nonspecific feeding habits are more accustomed to unpredictable environments.