Predation of Apochthonius minimus (Pseudoscorpionida: Chthoniidae) on Folsomia canadida (Collembola: Isotomidae)

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Abstract
Summary: We investigated the functional response of the predaceous pseudoscorpion, Apochthonius minimus, to density of the springtail, Folsomia candida, as well as the effects of temperature and prey size on handling time and attack rate. Temperature slightly altered the overall rise in response. Both the rise and shape of the response differed for two prey sizes.The changes in number of prey eaten over a 48‐hour period were also examined, and the attack and feeding behaviour of A. minimus was described and discussed in relation to the predation experiments. The pseudoscorpion preferred young adult F. candida, 0.8–1.2 mm in length, when offered prey in the range, 0.2–1.5 mm.