The role of bromeliad structural complexity on the presence, spatial distribution and predator avoidance in Tityus neglectus (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Abstract

Abstract The spatial arrangement of organisms is significantly influenced by the structure of vegetation. Bromeliads, characterized by a remarkable architectural design featuring rosette‐like leaf arrangements for rainwater storage, act as habitats for various organisms. These organisms use bromeliads for shelter, foraging, reproduction and the supply of nutrients and moisture. This study investigated how specific aspects of bromeliad structure, such as the number, width and length of leaves, impact the behaviour and distribution patterns of the bromelicolous scorpion Tityus neglectus. In the examination of 110 sampled bromeliads, 33 scorpions were recorded, resulting in an occupancy rate of 30%. The likelihood of scorpion occurrence was associated with the plant's structure. The length and coefficient of variation in the width of leaves appeared as the main predictors, positively influencing scorpion presence while the number of leaves exhibited a negative relation with scorpion occurrence. The distribution of scorpions was uniform across the spatial design of bromeliads. Furthermore, T. neglectus demonstrated the ability to utilize water accumulated in the bromeliad to evade potential predators, submerging itself for, on mean, almost 8 min. We concluded that bromeliad structure is essential in shaping the distribution patterns and anti‐predatory behaviour of T. neglectus.

Keywords

• defensive behaviour
• neotropical arachnids
• plant–arthropod interaction
• population ecology