Food Habits of Post-metamorphic Hynobius tokyoensis in Winter and in the Breeding Season in the Pacific Coastal Hilly Area of Central Japan

Abstract

I examined the stomach contents of the salamander Hynobius tokyoensis during the winter and the spring breeding season in the Pacific coastal hilly area of central Japan. My observations indicated that this salamander continues to feed throughout the year in at least parts of the coastal area. Soil animals were utilized as prey items in the winter and in the breeding seasons, but males in the breeding season also preyed on aquatic animals. Hynobius tokyoensis is strictly terrestrial during the non-breeding season and predation on aquatic animals by the males is suggested to occur only during the breeding season.