A note on asymmetric use of the forelimbs during feeding in the European green toad (Bufo viridis)

Abstract

European green toads (Bufo viridis) were tested for one-sided forelimb lateralisation during prey ingestion, i.e., when pushing food into the mouth. Results showed that toads preferentially used their left forelimb to help themselves in the ingestion of living larvae. It is argued that previous failure to reveal lateralisation in tests in which B. viridis toads wiped a foreign object off their snout was due to prevalent activation of grooming behaviour; in contrast, lateralisation seems clear when specifically associated with feeding behaviour.