Seasonal Variation in Whole-Body Elemental Concentrations and Excreta Production of a Riparian Orb-Weaving Spider (Larinioides cornutus)

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  Seasonal Variation in Whole-Body Elemental Concentrations and Excreta Production of a Riparian Orb-Weaving Spider (Larinioides cornutus) ABSTRACT Predators influence nutrient cycling by assimilating elements from their prey and returning nutrients to ecosystems via excretion and discarded prey remains. However, seasonal variation in the contribution of predators to nutrient cycling remains poorly understood, particularly for terrestrial arthropod predators such as spiders. We examined temporal variation in whole-body elemental concentrations, excreta C and N concentrations, and cumulative excreta output in a riparian orb-weaving spider ( Larinioides cornutus ) across the growing season of 2024. Adult females were collected across seven sampling periods spanning mid-June to early October, and whole-body concentrations of macronutrients (carbon [C], nitrogen [N], phosphorus [P]) and multiple trace elements were quantified. Whole-body N and P concentrations, and several trace elemen...

Sexual differences on body condition in litter-dwelling scorpion Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893 (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

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Sexual differences on body condition in litter-dwelling scorpion Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893 (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

ABSTRACT

Body condition may be an important additional tool for ecological studies. However, this information is still lacking for many arachnids such as scorpions. In addition, sex can be considered as a determining factor in the body condition of individuals since it can present differences in lifehistory traits. Thus, we evaluated the body condition of the litter-dwelling scorpion Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893. For this, 88 individuals (44 by sex) were used, where the following body condition parameters were measured: body size, fresh, dry, lipid and muscle mass. Our results showed that females have a significantly higher values than males in all parameters of body condition measured. Differences in life-history traits between sexes, such as foraging activity and reproductive investment may be directly related to these findings. Finally, our results suggest that females possess a higher environmental requirement to maintain body condition.

Moreira, Milena O.M., Geraldo J.B. Moura, and André F.A. Lira. 2024. “Sexual Differences on Body Condition in Litter-Dwelling Scorpion <em>Tityus pusillus</Em> Pocock, 1893 (Scorpiones: Buthidae)”. Revista Chilena De Entomología 50 (1). https://www.biotaxa.org/rce/article/view/85281.