Effects of rain and foot disturbances on antlion (Myrmeleon immaculatus) pit size and relocation.

Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of rain and foot disturbances on the pit size and relocation preference of antlion larvae (Myrmeleon immaculatus). Antlions were placed in sand filled aquaria to build pits in a 24-hour period and pit size and location (exposed or sheltered) was measured. Rain and foot traffic treatments were performed and relocation and pit size was measured after a 24-hour period. The mean pit diameter of the antlions exposed to treatments of dry and foot traffic were significantly larger than the mean pit diameter of antlions with the rain treatment. The number of antlions that relocated to shelter after the no treatment and foot traffic treatment was not significantly greater than the number of antlions that relocated to shelter after the treatment of rain. There was a greater proportion that chose shelter as the number of trials increased for no treatment and foot traffic treatment. There were significantly more pits built in dry conditions than wet conditions. In conclusion, pit size was related to disturbances of rain and foot, and pit size was larger within the trails with out treatment and with foot traffic and rain disturbances.