Observation of Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus (Wied-Neuwied, 1825) (Squamata: Colubridae) preying upon Rhinella granulosa (Spix, 1824) (Anura: Bufonidae) in the Caatinga phytogeographic domain

Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus (Wied-Neuwied, 1825) is a snake with well-documented natural history owing to diurnal and nocturnal activities. Rhinella granulosa (Spix, 1824) has previously been documented in the diet of E. poecilogyrus based on stomach content analysis. This study is the first observational record of this snake predating on R. granulosa in the Caatinga phytogeographic domain. The predation event was observed in northeastern Brazil (06°50'55''S, 38°20'48''W). Both colubrid and bufonid were found on a sandy substrate with the prey's head inside the mouth. The snake frequently moved the anterior region of its body and jaw to adjust its bite while attempting to swallow the frog. The lack of field observations of predation events between certain snakes and anurans reinforces the importance and highlights the need for more studies on the natural history of these groups in the phytogeographic domains of South America.