From individuals to populations: How homo- and heterospecific interactions influence habitat selection in a sit-and-wait predator

Abstract

Species have different requirements for the habitat in which they live, depending on various biotic and abiotic factors. For sedentary predators such as antlion larvae, both factors are essential. In this study, we examined the preferred habitat choice concerning two abiotic factors, i.e., substrate and illumination, in two pit-building antlions, Euroleon nostras and Myrmeleon formicarius, to determine whether choice changes during con- or heterospecific interactions. Both species preferred medium sand grains, i.e., 230–540 μm but differed in their choice of illumination. E. nostras preferred shade, while M. formicarius chose the illuminated part of the container. However, the choice changed, especially for M. formicarius during interactions with another individual. Abiotic factors took precedence over biotic factors in the choice of E. nostras when interactions were involved. M. formicarius avoided interactions and built pits in less suitable conditions when suitable locations were already occupied. The results can be applied to the species' natural habitat and life traits. We can confirm that E. nostras is a more competitive species when it comes to providing the most suitable abiotic conditions in the habitat for pit construction.