Inferring on Speleomantes Foraging Behavior from Gut Contents Examination

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Zoology
• Speleology

Background:

• Foraging behavior of European cave salamanders (genus *Speleomantes*) remains largely unknown.
• Existing gut content datasets lack detailed ecological and taxonomic information.
• A comprehensive analysis is needed to understand the diet and ecological role of *Speleomantes*.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first comprehensive analysis of prey consumed by European cave salamanders.
• To elucidate the foraging behavior and ecological role of *Speleomantes* in subterranean environments.
• To investigate dietary patterns, including prey types, environmental origins, and potential foraging strategies.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a large dataset (17,630 records) of gut contents from 2060 adult and juvenile *Speleomantes*.
• Categorization of consumed prey into 49 distinct types.
• Integration of published data with additional information on species ecology and lower taxonomic levels.

Main Results:

• Flying prey constituted over 58% of the diet, while elongated crawling prey represented less than 16%.
• Only three prey items were strictly cave-dwelling (troglobites), indicating primarily surface foraging.
• Evidence suggests *Speleomantes* can consume aquatic prey and prey with anti-predator defenses, with morphology limiting diet.

Conclusions:

• European cave salamanders predominantly forage in surface environments, not exclusively in caves.
• They play a crucial role in introducing allochthonous organic matter into subterranean ecosystems.
• Further research is needed to test hypotheses regarding their foraging behavior and aquatic prey capture.