Ecological Observations on Hybrid Populations of European Plethodontid Salamanders, Genus Speleomantes

Speleomantes are the only plethodontid salamanders present in Europe. Multiple studies have been performed to investigate trophic niche of eight species, but none these included hybrid populations. For first time, we studied five Each population was surveyed twice 2020, and stomach flushing on each captured salamander; is a harmless technique that allows contents be inspected. We also assessed potential divergence size body condition between natural introduced hybrids, their parental species. Previously collected data were increase robustness analyses. In 33 out 134 sampled recognized 81 items belonging 11 prey categories. The frequency empty stomachs higher females individuals from populations, whereas largest number consumed by males. compared total length 685 adult three types hybrids (sub)species. Three group (one two species) showed significantly larger size, no difference observed. This study provided novel ecological information insights into species terms condition. discuss our findings, formulate several hypotheses should tested future.