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Mapping the limits of trap construction: LiDAR quantification of substrate moisture effects on pit construction and quality morphometrics in Myrmeleon larvae
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Authors
Sebastian Francis Carvello 
Abstract
We examined the effect of substrate moisture on pit construction in Myrmeleon larvae across four treatments (0.0–1.5%). Construction success, pit diameter, and slope angle were quantified using LiDAR-derived morphometrics and analysed via χ² and ANCOVA. Increasing moisture significantly inhibited construction and reduced pit dimensions, with failures restricted to ≥1.0% moisture. These results suggest a critical threshold in substrate suitability, highlighting potential climatic sensitivity within this unique predatory guild.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.32942/X2KQ04
Subjects
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Keywords
Myrmeleontidae, pit trap, substrate moisture, LiDAR morphometrics, predator ecology, sit-and-wait predation, Climate sensitivity
Dates
Published: 2026-01-28 20:34
Last Updated: 2026-01-29 05:56
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License
CC BY Attribution 4.0 International
Additional Metadata
Language:
English
Data and Code Availability Statement:
Available on request.
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