Beschreibung:
Information on the diet of anuran species based on gut content analyses have been published by numerous researchers, yet the details of the incision method used to open the abdominal cavity of preserved specimens in preparation for such examinations are rarely explained in the presented methods. Our objective is to formally propose an optimal incision into the pleuroperitoneal cavity of liquid-preserved anuran specimens to gain access to and permit easy removal of parts of the digestive tract in preparation for food spectrum analyses. In our experience, this U-shaped cut is easy to perform and teach. It also provides better access to the pleuroperitoneal cavity than a small ventrolateral incision and is less destructive than the classic textbook medial “double T-incision” routinely listed in dissection protocols.