Predatory capture of toads by fly larvae.

A natural occurrence of predation upon toads (Scaphiopus multiplicatus) by fly larvae (Tabanus punctifer) is described. The larvae lie buried in mud, seize the toads with hooked mandibles, pull them partly into the mud, and kill them by feeding on their body fluids. The larvae may ordinarily subsist mostly on invertebrates and take Amphibia only opportunistically.