EFFECTS OF WATER TEMPERATURE ON LARVAL AMPHIBIAN PREDATOR-PREY DYNAMICS

Predation represents an important driver of species persistence and community structure. Climate change can influence predation through changes in the distribution and abundance of predatory species. Furthermore, predator-prey dynamics may be influenced by climate-induced shifts in the behavior of predators and/or prey. Our research employed a model system consisting of larval amphibians (Lithobates clamitans) as prey, and three species of predatory dragonfly larvae, Ladona julia, Aeshna interrupta, and Didymops transversa. Our goal was to assess whether simulated climate-induced changes in predator assemblages and abiotic conditions may influence predator-prey dynamics. The study was conducted in replicated aquatic microcosms, with water temperature manipulated across a range of temperatures. Predation studies involved a single dragonfly of a focal species and 10 larval L. clamitans. Our best-fitting model included dragonfly species, water temperature, and the interaction between the two factors. Survival of anuran larvae decreased for both Aeshna interrupta and Didymops transversa, but remained constant with increasing water temperature for Ladona julia. Our study demonstrates the potential for climate-induced changes in the composition of predator species to interact with altered abiotic conditions in shaping predator-prey dynamics.