Tarantulas and Frogs: An Unlikely Alliance
A Symbiotic Relationship
The dotted humming frog (Chiasmocleis ventrimaculata) has an unusual relationship with the burrowing tarantula Xenesthis immanis. The frog lives in the tarantula's burrow, sharing its space, food, and protection. The tarantula, in turn, benefits from the frog's presence as it keeps the burrow clean and free of pests.
A Close Association
The two species have a close association, with the frog often riding on the tarantula's back. The frog benefits from this relationship as it gains protection from predators and a stable food source. The tarantula benefits from the frog's presence as it keeps the burrow clean and free of pests.
Sharing a Burrow
In one study, researchers found a dotted humming frog sharing a burrow with a local tarantula in Peru despite the fact that the tarantula was known to be a predator of frogs. This suggests that the two species have a symbiotic relationship, with each species benefiting from the other's presence.
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