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06:27
Assaying Predatory Feeding Behaviors in Pristionchus and Other Nematodes
Published on: September 4, 2016
Nutrient-specific compensation following diapause in a predator: implications for intraguild predation.
David Raubenheimer1, David Mayntz, Stephen J Simpson
1Liggins Institute and School of Biological Sciences, 2-6 Park Avenue, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. d.raubenheimer@auckland.ac.nz
Ecology
|November 22, 2007
Summary
Predatory beetles (Agonum dorsale) adjust their diet to balance lipids and protein after winter diapause. This selective foraging impacts their body composition and has implications for understanding intraguild predation in food webs.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Animal Behavior
- Nutritional Ecology
Background:
- Intraguild predation significantly impacts food web dynamics.
- The nutritional and functional bases of intraguild predation remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nutritional basis of foraging in the predatory beetle Agonum dorsale.
- To determine selective foraging for lipids and protein post-diapause.
- To measure changes in body lipid and nitrogen content.
Main Methods:
- Geometrical analysis of foraging behavior.
- Controlled feeding trials with nutritionally imbalanced diets.
- Measurement of body composition (lipid and nitrogen content).
Main Results:
- Beetles self-selected diets high in lipids initially, then increased protein intake.
- Inadequate diets led to lipid shortfalls or protein over-ingestion.
- Body lipid content increased significantly in the first 48 hours and then stabilized.
Conclusions:
- Agonum dorsale exhibits sophisticated dietary regulation to meet nutritional needs.
- Understanding selective foraging is crucial for comprehending intraguild predation dynamics.
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