Feeding ecology of scolopendromorphs: integrating a global literature review with Japanese citizen-sourced data
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Understanding centipede diets is crucial for ecology. This study reveals their broad foraging versatility by combining literature reviews with citizen science data, highlighting risks of biased ecological assumptions.
Area Of Science
- Ecology
- Zoology
- Animal Behavior
Background
- Food habit knowledge is vital for ecological research but often based on assumptions for secretive animals like centipedes.
- This can lead to underestimation and mischaracterization of their ecological roles.
Purpose Of The Study
- To evaluate the trophic interactions and feeding ecology of scolopendromorph centipedes.
- To integrate global literature with Japanese citizen-sourced data for a comprehensive dietary analysis.
- To highlight the risks associated with ecological inferences from biased or incomplete data.
Main Methods
- Systematic literature review of 76 publications, analyzing 102 predation events.
- Analysis of 8,684 citizen-sourced records from social media and citizen science platforms, yielding 1,130 predation records.
- Dual approach integrating literature review with citizen science data for a broad prey inventory.
Main Results
- Literature review indicated scolopendromorphs prey on small animals but can target large reptiles; however, reports may be biased towards vertebrate prey.
- Citizen-sourced data revealed a wider array of trophic interactions, including consumption of live/dead animals and plant material, not covered in literature.
- Notable citizen-sourced findings include cross-predation, foraging on spider webs, and ingestion of venomous animals, demonstrating broad foraging versatility.
Conclusions
- Scolopendromorphs exhibit remarkable foraging versatility, consuming a diverse range of prey.
- Relying on unverified assumptions or biased data subsets can lead to inaccurate ecological inferences.
- Integrating traditional research with citizen science offers a powerful methodology for studying the food webs of secretive species.
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