Molecular Identification of an Avian Predator of Mimetic Salamanders

Natural field observations of salamander predation are uncommon, in some cases limiting the ability of scientists to study the evolution of toxicity, aposematism, and mimicry in these amphibians. Here, we document field observations of a recently depredated Pseudotriton ruber (Red Salamander) and two Gyrinophilus porphyriticus (Spring Salamanders), members of a putative Mullerian mimetic complex involving Notophthalmus viridescens (Eastern Newts). We use molecular methods to identify the likely avian predator of the Spring Salamanders and underscore the opportunities for future research enabled by the pairing of traditional natural history with modern molecular techniques.