Detection of secondary predation by PCR analyses of the gut contents of invertebrate generalist predators

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (14) ◽  
pp. 4461-4468 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. K. SHEPPARD ◽  
J. BELL ◽  
K. D. SUNDERLAND ◽  
J. FENLON ◽  
D. SKERVIN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Contents ◽  
Generalist Predators

scholarly journals Can mandible morphology help predict feeding habits in Antarctic amphipods?

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 496-507
Author(s):  
Loïc N. Michel ◽  
Fabienne L. Nyssen ◽  
Patrick Dauby ◽  
Marie Verheye
Keyword(s):  
Functional Groups ◽  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Generalist Predators ◽  
Dietary Specialization ◽  
Important Place ◽  
Antarctic Amphipod

AbstractIn Antarctica, amphipods form a highly diverse group, occupy many different ecological niches and hold an important place in food webs. Here, we aimed to test whether differences in Antarctic amphipod feeding habits were reflected in their mandible morphology, and if mouthpart specialization could be used to describe amphipod trophic ecology. To do so, we compared mandible morphology in nine species spanning seven families and five functional groups (grazers, suspension feeders, generalist predators, specialist predators and scavengers). Mandible morphology adequately depicted some aspects of amphipod trophic ecology, such as the trophic level at which animals feed or their degree of dietary specialization. On the other hand, links between mandible morphology and amphipod diet were seldom unambiguous or straightforward. Similar adaptations were found in distinct functional groups. Conversely, mandible morphology could vary within a single functional group, and phylogenetic effects sometimes complicated the interpretation of form-function relationships. Overall, mandible morphology on its own was generally not sufficient to precisely predict amphipod feeding strategies. However, when combined with other methods (e.g. gut contents, trophic markers), it constitutes a valuable source of information for integrative studies of amphipod ecological diversity in the Southern Ocean.

Termitivore or detritivore? A quantitative investigation into the diet of the East African caecilian Boulengerula taitanus (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae)

2004 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. John Measey ◽  
Olivier Gaborieau
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Generalist Predators ◽  
East African ◽  
Quantitative Investigation ◽  
Soil Macrofauna ◽  
Taita Hills ◽  
Specialist Predators ◽  
African Genus

AbstractMost caecilians are thought to be generalist predators of soil ecosystem engineers (earthworms, termites and ants), but it has been suggested that members of the East African genus Boulengerula are specialist predators. Surprisingly, in the only detailed study of diet of any Boulengerula, the authors speculated that B. taitanus is partly detritivorous, based on the large amount of organic matter found in the alimentary canal. Here we test the conflicting hypotheses that B.taitanus is a termitivore or detritivore, using the stomach and gut contents of 47 specimens collected in the Taita Hills, Kenya. Termites and earthworms contribute most significantly to diet by number and mass, respectively. These constitute the major dietary items, together with dipteran larvae and other soil macrofauna. Contents of the intestine are mostly soil and organic matter originating from prey items. The mass content of the intestines averages 69% of total gut contents, and is significantly greater than identifiable stomach contents. The null hypotheses that B. taitanus is a generalist and a predator are not rejected.

scholarly journals Consuming alternative prey does not influence the DNA detectability half-life of pest prey in spider gut contents

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dávid Fülöp ◽  
Éva Szita ◽  
Regina Gerstenbrand ◽  
Gergely Tholt ◽  
Ferenc Samu
Keyword(s):  
Natural Enemy ◽  
Half Life ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Generalist Predators ◽  
Alternative Prey ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Pest Interactions

Background Key natural enemy-pest interactions can be mapped in agricultural food webs by analysing predator gut content for the presence of a focal pest species. For this, PCR-based approaches are the most widely used methods providing the incidence of consumption of a focal pest in field sampled predators. To interpret such data the rate of prey DNA decay in the predators’ gut, described by DNA detectability half-life (t1/2), is needed. DNA decay may depend on the presence of alternative prey in the gut of generalist predators, but this effect has not been investigated in one of the major predatory arthropod groups, spiders. Methods In a laboratory feeding experiment, we determined t1/2 of the key cereal pest virus vector leafhopper Psammotettix alienus in the digestive tracts of its natural enemy, the spider Tibellus oblongus. We followed the fate of prey DNA in spiders which received only the focal prey as food, or as an alternative prey treatment they also received a meal of fruit flies after leafhopper consumption. After these feeding treatments, spiders were starved for variable time intervals prior to testing for leafhopper DNA in order to establish t1/2. Results We created a PCR protocol that detects P. alienus DNA in its spider predator. The protocol was further calibrated to the digestion speed of the spider by establishing DNA decay rate. Detectability limit was reached at 14 days, where c. 10% of the animals tested positive. The calculated t1/2 = 5 days value of P. alienus DNA did not differ statistically between the treatment groups which received only the leafhopper prey or which also received fruit fly. The PCR protocol was validated in a field with known P. alienus infestation. In this applicability trial, we showed that 12.5% of field collected spiders were positive for the leafhopper DNA. We conclude that in our model system the presence of alternative prey did not influence the t1/2 estimate of a pest species, which makes laboratory protocols more straightforward for the calibration of future field data.

Evaluation of temperature gradient gel electrophoresis for the analysis of prey DNA within the guts of invertebrate predators

2006 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.L. Harper ◽  
S.K. Sheppard ◽  
J.D. Harwood ◽  
D.S. Read ◽  
D.M. Glen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Gradient ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Generalist Predators ◽  
Specific Primers ◽  
Banding Patterns ◽  
Field Samples ◽  
Gradient Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Pterostichus Melanarius ◽  
Temperature Gradient Gel Electrophoresis

AbstractThe utility of temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE) as a means of analysing the gut contents of predators was evaluated. Generalist predators consume multiple prey species and a species-specific primer approach may not always be a practical means of analysing predator responses to prey diversity in complex and biodiverse ecosystems. General invertebrate primers were used to amplify the gut contents of predators, generating banding patterns that identified component prey remains. There was no evidence of dominance of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by predator DNA. When applied to field samples of the carabid predatorPterostichus melanarius(Illiger) nine banding patterns were detected, including one for aphids. To further distinguish between species, group-specific primers were designed to separate species of earthworm and aphid. TGGE of the earthworm PCR products generated banding patterns that varied with haplotype in some species. Aphid and earthworm DNA could be detected in the guts of carabids for up to 24 h using TGGE. InP. melanarius, with low numbers of prey per insect gut (mean < 3), interpretation of banding patterns proved to be tractable. Potential problems of interpretation of TGGE gels caused by multiple prey bands, cryptic bands, haplotype variation, taxonomic uncertainties (especially with regard to earthworms), secondary predation, scavenging and presence of parasites and parasitoids in the prey or the predators, are discussed. The results suggest that PCR, using combinations of general invertebrate and group-specific primers followed by TGGE, provides a potentially useful approach to the analysis of multiple uncharacterized prey in predators.

scholarly journals Specific and sensitive primers for the detection of predated olive fruit flies, Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae)

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. e1002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Lantero ◽  
Beatriz Matallanas ◽  
Maria-Dolores Ochando ◽  
Susana Pascual ◽  
Carmen Callejas
Keyword(s):  
Detection Efficiency ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Bactrocera Oleae ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Generalist Predators ◽  
Olive Fruit Fly ◽  
Predator Species ◽  
Olive Fruit ◽  
Potential Control

Bactrocera oleae, the olive fruit fly, is a major pest of olive (Olea europaea L.) trees worldwide. Its presence can cause important losses, with consequences for the economies of countries that produce and export table olives and olive oil. Efforts to control olive fruit fly populations have, however, been insufficient. Now more than ever, environmentally friendly alternatives need to be considered in potential control programs. Generalist predators could provide a way of managing this pest naturally. However, the identification of candidate predator species is essential if such a management system is to be introduced. The present paper describes a set of species-specific primers for detecting the presence of B. oleae DNA in the gut of predatory arthropods. All primers were tested for checking cross-reactive amplification of other fruit fly DNA and evaluated in heterospecific mixes of nucleic acids. All were found to be very sensitive for B. oleae. Subsequent feeding trials were conducted using one of the most abundant species of ground dwelling carabids in olive groves in south-eastern Madrid, Spain. These trials allowed determining that 253F-334R and 334F-253R primer pairs had the highest detection efficiency with an ID50 of around 78 h. These primers therefore provide a very useful tool for screening the gut contents of potential predators of B. oleae, and can thus reveal candidate species for the pest's biological control

scholarly journals Rainy Season Food Availability for Anurans of Kimboza Forest Reserve, Tanzania

2021 ◽  
pp. 15-25
Author(s):  
Nsajigwa Emmanuel Mbije ◽  
Asha Kamungu
Keyword(s):  
Food Availability ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Diet Composition ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Generalist Predators ◽  
Forest Reserve ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
To Come ◽  
Prey Items

Amphibians are mostly considered to be generalist predators. Some species have a narrow diet or even specialize on certain prey categories. An assessment of the feeding habits of anuran species of Kimboza forest reserve, Tanzania was conducted during rainy season between March 2017 and June 2017. Through a visual encounter survey, 93 species were captured and analyzed for gut contents. About 462 prey items were identified the most abundant component being Isoptera and Hymenoptera. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the anurans’ diet (composition or diversity or preferences) among different habitats of the forest (along boundaries and within the forest) but significant difference (P < 0.05) was found between the upper Stratum and the lower Stratum of the forest. The study provides a preliminary estimation of the actual diet of anurans and establishes a general feeding pattern for these species for the management of the Kimboza forest reserve. The study recommends the intensification of similar assessments in the nearby forest areas to come up with a complete description of the feeding habits for management purposes.

scholarly journals Comparing three types of dietary samples for prey DNA decay in an insect generalist predator

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefaniya Kamenova ◽  
Rebecca Mayer ◽  
Oskar R. Rubbmark ◽  
Eric Coissac ◽  
Manuel Plantegenest ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Detection ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Diet Analysis ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Generalist Predators ◽  
Generalist Predator ◽  
Invertebrate Predators ◽  
Pterostichus Melanarius ◽  
Dna Fragment ◽  
Pcr Targeting

AbstractThe rapidly growing field of molecular diet analysis is becoming increasingly popular among ecologists, especially when investigating methodologically challenging groups such as invertebrate generalist predators. Prey DNA detection success is known to be affected by multiple factors, however the type of dietary sample has rarely been considered. Here, we address this knowledge gap by comparing prey DNA detection success from three types of dietary samples. In a controlled feeding experiment, using the carabid beetle Pterostichus melanarius as a model predator, we collected regurgitates, feces and whole consumers (including their gut contents) at different time points post-feeding. All dietary samples were analyzed using multiplex PCR targeting three different length DNA fragments (128 bp, 332 bp and 612 bp). Our results show that both the type of dietary sample and the size of the DNA fragment contribute to a significant part of the variation found in the detectability of prey DNA. Specifically, we observed that in both regurgitates and whole consumers prey DNA was detectable significantly longer for all fragment sizes than for feces. Based on these observations, we conclude that prey DNA detected from regurgitates and whole consumers DNA extracts are comparable, whereas prey DNA detected from feces, though still sufficiently reliable for ecological studies, will not be directly comparable to the former. Therefore, regurgitates and feces constitute an interesting, non-lethal source for dietary information that could be applied to field studies in situations when invertebrate predators should not be killed.

Feeding behaviour and bioerosion: the ecological role of the rock-boring urchin, Echinometra mathaei (de Blainville, 1825), in Okinawa reef flat

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Noar Muda Satyawan ◽  
Shelly Tutupoho ◽  
Yusli Wardiatno ◽  
Makoto Tsuchiya
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Reef Flat ◽  
Type A ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Type B ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Echinometra Mathaei ◽  
Benthic Ecosystems

Erosion rate on corals due to activities of other biota is called bioerosion. The rock-boring urchin, Echinometra mathaei, when it is abundant, plays a significant role in benthic ecosystems, including biological processes like coral erosion. During feeding, E. mathaei erodes calcium carbonate besides grazing on algae living on coral, so it plays an important role in both organic and inorganic carbons in coral reefs. The urchin E. mathaei actively feeds during the night time (nocturnal grazer). Although in Okinawa four types (A-D) of the urchin exist, the research only focused on the types A and B. Type A of E. mathaei produced 0.44951 g feces per day on average while type B produced 0.38030 g feces per day. CaCO3 analysis in feces and gut contents showed bioerosion rate of E. mathaei type A was 0.64492 g/individu/day, and 0.54436 g/individu/day in type B. There were no significant differences in bioerosion impact of E. mathaei type A and B© Laju erosi pada karang yang disebabkan oleh biota, dikenal dengan bioerosi. Bulu babi jenis Echinometra mathaei, ketika melimpah, menjadi sangat berpengaruh terhadap ekosistem bentik termasuk proses biologi seperti erosi karang. Selama aktivitas makan, E. mathaei menggerus kalsium karbonat dalam proporsi yang besar di samping alga yang tumbuh menempel pada karang sehingga memiliki peran penting dalam siklus karbon organik dan anorganik di ekosistem terumbu karang. Bulu babi E. mathaei aktif mencari makan pada malam hari (nocturnal grazer). Meskipun di Okinanawa ada 4 tipe (A-D), pada eksperimen kali ini memfokuskan pada tipe A dan B saja. Tipe A E. mathaei rata-rata memproduksi 0,44951 g feses/hari dan tipe B memproduksi 0,38030 g feses/hari. Berdasarkan analisis CaCO3 yang dilakukan pada feses dan isi lambung, laju bioerosi yang disebabkan oleh E. mathaei tipe A sebesar 0,64492 g/individu/hari sedangkan tipe B sebesar 0,54436 g/individu/hari. Tidak terdapat perbedaan dampak bioerosi yang signifikan antara E. mathaei tipe A dan B©

Dermaptera from Cyprus and Turkey.

2002 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 235-239
Author(s):  
Fabian Haas ◽  
Hans Henderickx
Keyword(s):  
Gut Contents ◽  
Asia Minor

Forficula smyrnensis Serville, 1839 wird erstmals von Zypern, Forficula lurida Fischer, 1853 und Labidura riparia (Pallas, 1773) werden aus der Türkei nachgewiesen. Eine Liste der bisher von Zypern und der Türkei bekannten Dermapteren wird vorgelegt. Darminhaltsuntersuchungen von Forficula lurida und Labidura riparia deuten auf eine carnivore Ernährungsweise hin; dagegen wurden bei Forficula smyrnensis ausschließlich pflanzliche Nahrungsreste gefunden.StichwörterForficula, Labidura, Turkey, Cyprus, Asia Minor, gut contents, feeding.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document