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

  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...

First documented cases of invertebrate predation by greater grisons (Galictis vittata)

 


First documented cases of invertebrate predation by greater grisons (Galictis vittata)

Abstract 

We report the first documented predation of invertebrates by greater grisons (Galictis vittata) based on camera-trap footage from a mineral lick in Southeastern Peru. Two adult individuals were recorded capturing and consuming large arachnids, likely whip spiders (Amblypygi), from a natural cavity. One grison visibly removed and discarded part of the prey prior to ingestion, suggesting selective handling to reduce risk from defensive structures. These observations extend the known cavity-focused foraging behavior of G. vittata and indicate that amblypygids may represent an underreported but regular prey item in tropical habitats.

Pottie, Sam, y Adrian Forsyth. 2026. «Primeros Registros Documentados De depredación De Invertebrados Por El grisón (Galictis Vittata)». Mammalogy Notes 12 (2), 608. https://doi.org/10.47603/mano.v12n2.608.