Predation of Rhinella diptycha (Cope, 1862) by Philodryas nattereri (Steindachner, 1870) in Caatinga, SantaLuz, Bahia, Brazil

Philodryas nattereri is a snake with a generalist feeding habit, having a high dietary plasticity. However, despite the wide array of priority prey for the species, attacks on Rhinella spp. toads are not common, mainly as a result of the defense strategies of these anurans. Given its unusual nature, the aim of this study was to report a predatory event between an adult P. nattereri snake and a juvenile Rhinella diptycha. The interaction took place in the Barbaço region, located in the municipality of Santa Luz, Bahia, Brazil. The animals were spotted in an open area, with small rock formations and little shrub-like vegetation. The episode took place at 10:22 and the local temperature was 29°C. The circumstances of this predation suggested a probable chase, as these amphibians are not usually found exposed during hot times of the day in the Caatinga biome. The snake carried out the constriction process with the toad on its stomach, as done by specialized species that prey on the Rhinella spp. taxon. Due to the flow of people passing by, the snake apparently felt threatened and did not complete the predation, although the intoxication resulted in the toad's death a few minutes later. This unprecedented interaction corroborates the recognized feeding plasticity of P. nattereri however, it is essential to understand all aspects related to this event.