Convergent evolution of antlions and wormlions: similarities and differences in the behavioural ecology of unrelated trap-building predators

Miler, Krzysztof; Scharf, Inon

doi:10.1007/s00265-021-03106-0

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 131 publications

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“…Despite the negative effects of wind, wormlions exposed to it did not relocate more frequently than those in the control group. This finding supports previous ones regarding the generally low relocation frequency of wormlions compared to other trap-building predators, such as antlions (Miler & Scharf, 2022).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

“…Relocation tendency was low and seemed to be unrelated to the wind. Wormlions are generally less ready to relocate their pits than antlions under similar circumstances (Miler & Scharf, 2022). Even under strong disturbance, such as rain, which prevents wormlions almost completely from hunting successfully, only approximately one‐third of the wormlions relocated over 8 days (Scharf et al., 2018).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Wind impairs pit trap construction and hunting success in a pit‐building predator

Miler

Scharf

2022

Journal of Zoology

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Animals require a set of abiotic conditions to survive and reproduce. When one of these requirements is not met, the animal's performance is impaired. The most often studied abiotic factor is temperature but less is known on other such factors. We examined, here, the effect of wind on the hunting performance of pit-building predators, insect larvae that dig pit traps in loose soil to hunt arthropod prey. We used wormlions (Diptera: Vermileonidae) as a case study. Pit-building predators depend on their immediate environment for efficient pit construction and maintenance. For example, they require dry suitable substrate (loose soil) comprised of particles of a specific size range. Because wind blows loose soil and impairs pit construction and maintenance, we expected strong negative effects of wind on pit design and hunting success. Wind destroyed both artificial pit traps and wormliondug pits by moving sand into the pits and reducing their slopes-an important parameter of pits in terms of prey capture. Wormlions also attempted less frequently to attack the prey when the wind was blowing compared to the control and, among the wormlions responding, such response took place later, allowing the prey to escape. We expected wormlions to relocate away when exposed to the wind, but this did not hold true. This result is in line with the generally low relocation rate in wormlions. We suggest that wind has strong negative effects on the performance of pit builders in nature. Sites that provide at least partial protection from wind should be preferred for pit establishment.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Wind impairs pit trap construction and hunting success in a pit‐building predator

Miler

Scharf

2022

Journal of Zoology

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“…This emphasizes the need for further studies, including studies devoted to the comparison of the behavior of antlions and wormlions (Diptera: Vermileonidae). These 2 groups provide a fascinating example of convergent evolution as wormlions, like antlions, display a similar hunting strategy that involves using pit traps built in the sand ( Miler and Scharf Forthcoming 2021 ). To our knowledge, the perceptual ability of wormlions has never been studied; therefore, comparing this trait between these 2 convergent groups of insects would be highly insightful.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Heat stress during development makes antlion larvae more responsive to vibrational cues

Miler

Czarnołęski

2021

Current Zoology

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We investigated the effects of heat stress on the responsiveness to vibrational cues, our measure of perceptual ability, in Myrmeleon bore antlion larvae (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae). We reared these trap-building predatory larvae under two heat stress regimes (mild, 30 °C, and harsh, 36 °C), and after they progressed from one instar stage to another, we tested their perceptual ability in common unchallenging conditions. We hypothesized that exposure to the harsh heat stress regime would impose costs resulting in handicapped vibration responsiveness. We found that the harsh heat stress regime generated more stressful conditions for the larvae, as evidenced by increased mortality and postponed molting, and the loss of body mass among larger larvae. Furthermore, among the individuals who remained alive, those originating from the harsh heat stress regime were characterized by higher vibration responsiveness. Our results suggest two not mutually exclusive scenarios. Costly heat stress conditions can sieve out individuals characterized by poor perceptual ability, or surviving individuals can attempt to hunt more efficiently to compensate for the physiological imbalance caused by heat stress. Both of these mechanisms fit into the ongoing debate over how adaptation and plasticity contribute to shaping insect communities exposed to heat stress.

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“…Spiders specializing in ant predation ambush ants on the routes to food [ 24 ]. Pit-building antlions and wormlions dig pitfall traps in loose soil, such as sand or loess, and hunt ant workers too [ 25 , 26 ]. The capture of an ant worker falling into such pits is not certain and it depends on several factors, such as the soil type and humidity level, pit size and shape, the predator actions, and the ant worker size [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Desert Ants Learn to Avoid Pitfall Traps While Foraging

Bar

Marom

Zorin

et al. 2022

Biology

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Central-place foragers, such as social insects or nesting birds, repeatedly use the same routes from and to their nests when foraging for food. Such species forage more efficiently after accumulating experience. We examined, here, a relatively neglected aspect of such an improvement with experience—the avoidance of pitfall traps. Similar pits are built by antlions, which co-occur with the ants, but they also resemble other natural obstacles. We used the desert ant Cataglyphis niger, common in sandy habitats, and allowed it to forage for three successive runs for a food reward. Ant workers discovered food more slowly and in smaller numbers when pits were in their path. Pit presence also led to longer tracks by ants and slower movement. However, with experience, the ants fell into such pits less often and reached the food more quickly. To understand how past conditions affect current behavior, we investigated whether removing or adding pits led to a different result to that with a constant number of pits. Workers adjusted their behavior immediately when conditions changed. The only carryover effect was the longer tracks crossed by workers after pit removal, possibly resulting from the mismatch between the past and current conditions. Finally, the workers were more likely to fall into pits that were closer to the nest than those that were further away. This is a good example of the advantage that ambush predators can derive from ambushing their prey in specific locations.

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Convergent evolution of antlions and wormlions: similarities and differences in the behavioural ecology of unrelated trap-building predators

Cited by 5 publications

References 131 publications

Wind impairs pit trap construction and hunting success in a pit‐building predator

Wind impairs pit trap construction and hunting success in a pit‐building predator

Heat stress during development makes antlion larvae more responsive to vibrational cues

Desert Ants Learn to Avoid Pitfall Traps While Foraging

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