Antlion Zones: Consequences of High-Density Predator Aggregations

这项研究旨在了解高- 密度捕食者聚集到猎物行为和捕食者- 捕食者之间的互动 在俄克拉荷马州中部， 捕食蚁幼虫共存 在砂岩底部的一个狭窄区域中， 崖 从猎物的角度来看，它们的行为是什么 对这种空间持续性捕食风险的反应？ 的 蚂蚁的觅食策略将被研究， 捕食风险和觅食的实验性野外操作 奖励 从捕食者的角度来看， 物种之间的相互作用 的 这些相互作用的性质将通过一系列 野外实验，控制捕食者的密度和食物 供应 这项研究的结果将揭示细节 捕食者与猎物的相互作用，并可能提供洞察 节肢动物害虫生物防治的有效策略。

This study seeks to understand the consequences of high- density predator aggregations to prey behavior and predator- predator interactions. In central Oklahoma, two species of predaceous antlion larvae (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) coexist at very high densities in a narrow zone at the base of sandstone cliffs. From the prey's perspective, what are the behavioral responses to this spatially persistent predation risk? The foraging strategy of ants will be studied in response to experimental field manipulations of predation risk and foraging reward. From the predator's perspective, what are the interactions between species that occur within the zone? The nature of these interactions will be revealed through a series of field experiments that manipulate predator density and food supply. The results of this study will shed light on the details of predator-prey interactions, and may provide insight into effective strategies for biological control of arthropod pests.