Abstract
Trophic interactions of cave arthropods have been understudied. We used molecular methods (NGS) to decipher the food web in the subterranean ecosystem of the Ardovská Cave (Western Carpathians, Slovakia). We collected five arthropod predators of the species Parasitus loricatus (gamasid mites), Eukoenenia spelaea (palpigrades), Quedius mesomelinus (beetles), and Porrhomma profundum and Centromerus cavernarum (both spiders) and prey belonging to several orders. Various arthropod orders were exploited as prey, and trophic interactions differed among the predators. Linear models were used to compare absolute and relative prey body sizes among the predators. Quedius exploited relatively small prey, while Eukoenenia and Parasitus fed on relatively large prey. Exploitation of eggs or cadavers is discussed. In contrast to previous studies, Eukoenenia was found to be carnivorous. A high proportion of intraguild predation was found in all predators. Intraspecific consumption (most likely cannibalism) was detected only in mites and beetles. Using Pianka’s index, the highest trophic niche overlaps were found between Porrhomma and Parasitus and between Centromerus and Eukoenenia, while the lowest niche overlap was found between Parasitus and Quedius. Contrary to what we expected, the high availability of Diptera and Isopoda as a potential prey in the studied system was not corroborated. Our work demonstrates that intraguild diet plays an important role in predators occupying subterranean ecosystems.
Highlights
Investigation of trophic interactions among arthropods can be performed using several approaches[19]
A number of studies have revealed dynamics at higher taxonomic levels using the signatures of stable isotopes[20,21,22]
We aimed at investigating a food web using molecular analyses of predator gut-content in the subterranean ecosystem of the Ardovská Cave in Slovakia (Fig. 1)
Summary
Investigation of trophic interactions among arthropods can be performed using several approaches[19]. Modern molecular methods have not been used These methods offer an exclusive opportunity to identify food items with high taxonomic precision, even from the gut of very tiny p redators[23]. This method can unveil cryptic feeding and provide data for subsequent reconstruction of food webs[24,25,26,27]. In this study we aimed at (1) an analysis of the predator food web of Ardosvká Cave, and (2) including the feeding habit of Eukoenenia spelaea, a very rare cave arachnid occupying a model cave in a stable population
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