Trophic and Temporal Niche Interactions in Sympatric Populations of Eremobates Palpisetulosus Fichter and E. Mormonus (Roewer) (Solpugida: Eremobatidae)

Abstract

Studies were conducted from April to August 1993, on the diets and dietary overlap, as well as diel activity patterns of sympatric populations of the solpugids, Eremobates palpisetulosus and E. mormonus. Although both species are generalist predators, they do exhibit different prey preferences based on the hardness of the cuticle. Seventy eight percent of the diet of E. palpisetulosus consisted of hard-bodied orthopteran and coleopteran insects, whereas 77% of the diet of E. mormonus consisted of softer-bodied dipteran, heteropteran, and orthopteran insects as well as spiders. No significant dietary differences were found between sexes. Both solpugid species exhibit similar temporal patterns of activity although E. mormonus does remain active at the surface for a longer period of time.