Check out this new paper that Jordan contributed toward, led by long-time FERG collaborator Max Tercel: Ecology, natural history, and conservation status of Scolopendra abnormis, a threatened centipede endemic to Mauritius
Scolopendra abnormis is an incredible scolopendromorph centipede endemic to two islands off the coast of Mauritius. Despite being threatened, little is known about its trophic ecology and what is known is based on limited observations. As pressures like invasive ants increase, S. abnormis‘ fate is uncertain and a greater understanding is required to manage and protect its populations.
Max used dietary metabarcoding to determine S. abnormis‘ diet and found that they predominantly consume insects (especially Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera), but some also consumed endemic lizards. Their interactions also shift between wet and dry seasons, likely driven by differences in the availability of prey. This research will be vital for guiding management plans and conservation efforts going forward.
Foraging Ecology Research Group 