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Quantitative analysis of experimental trackways of scorpions, tarantulas, and crayfish
ABSTRACT
Previous neoichnological studies with arthropods, especially arachnids, have often conducted
experiments with only a small number of trackways produced in a subset of subaerial
conditions. Thus, we conducted a comprehensive neoichnological study of scorpions (Hadrurus
arizonensis), tarantulas (Grammostola rosea), and crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), under various
moisture levels (dry, damp, wet drying, wet saturated, and subaqueous [or wading]) and
horizontal, shallow, and steep slope angles. The invertebrates made a total of 473 trackway
runs resulting in 489 symmetric trackway segments that were characterized and digitally
measured. We analyzed the trackways using trackway parameter trend diagrams and
non-metric multidimensional scaling (N-MDS) visualizations to compare trackway morphology
among the sand moisture conditions. Results generally show imprints become progressively
smaller, with more dotted multifid imprints going from loose to stiff sand. N-MDS showed
trackway morphology overlapped among some conditions, including those with disparate
water content (e.g. dry and wet saturated sand, or subaqueous and wet drying sand).
Additionally, trackways consisted usually of a four-imprint series, though species- and
condition-specific exceptions were found. Interestingly, the scorpions rarely dragged their
metasomas, while the crayfish always dragged their tail fan except sometimes underwater.
Our neoichnological photos and quantitative dataset provide a basis for future comparative
ichnological studies.
Cedric L. Clendenon & Leonard R. Brand (24 Mar 2024): Quantitative
analysis of experimental trackways of scorpions, tarantulas, and crayfish, Ichnos, DOI:
10.1080/10420940.2024.2322937