Incidence of Dermatophagy by Common Indian Toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799)

Abstract

The skin of amphibians serves as a vital immune barrier that is essential for survival. In amphibians, the shedding of skin, or dermatophagy, is a multifaceted process influenced by factors such as species, age, and environmental conditions. This article explores an interesting incident of dermatophagy observed in Duttaphrynus melanostictus, the Common Indian Toad, within the Nature Garden of Amboli, Maharashtra. The toad exhibited the unique behaviour o consuming its own shed skin, a phenomenon not widely documented in amphibians. While dermatophagy has been studied in various reptiles, its purpose remains unclear. This observation provides insights into the ecological and behavioural aspects of amphibians, raising questions about the active or incidental nature of dermatophagy and its potential ecological correlates. Further research is warranted to unravel the precise reasons behind this intriguing behaviour in amphibians.