Establishing isotopic turnover rates and trophic discrimination factors in tiger beetle (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) larvae through a diet switch experiment
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.This study quantifies nitrogen and carbon stable isotope turnover in tiger beetles, revealing rapid isotopic equilibration. These findings provide crucial data for understanding food web dynamics using stable isotope analysis in ecological research.
Area Of Science
- Ecology
- Biogeochemistry
- Zoology
Background
- Stable isotope ratios (δ15N and δ13C) are vital for food web analysis.
- Interpreting isotopic shifts requires understanding diet change timing and equilibrium differences.
- Lipid content can influence δ13C values, necessitating corrections.
Purpose Of The Study
- To determine trophic discrimination factors (TDFs) and isotopic half-lives in tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae).
- To provide quantitative data for applying stable isotope analysis to tiger beetle ecology.
- To assess the rate of isotopic change following a dietary shift.
Main Methods
- Wild-caught tiger beetle larvae were subjected to a diet switch experiment in a laboratory.
- Samples were collected over time to track changes in δ15N, δ13C, and lipid-corrected δ13C (δ13Ccorr).
- Quadratic plateau models were used to calculate TDFs and isotopic half-lives.
Main Results
- The trophic discrimination factor for δ15N was 1.7 ± 0.2‰ with a half-life of 11.4 days.
- The trophic discrimination factor for δ13C was -0.6 ± 0.2‰ with a half-life of 3.9 days.
- Lipid-corrected δ13C showed a TDF of -0.2 ± 0.2‰ and a half-life of 4.7 days, indicating rapid isotopic turnover.
Conclusions
- Tiger beetles exhibit fast isotopic turnover rates, with short half-lives for both nitrogen and carbon isotopes.
- Calculated TDFs and turnover rates are suitable for ecological studies on tiger beetles.
- Environmental factors like temperature and life stage may influence metabolic rates and should be considered for field applications.
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