Behavioural drivers of ecotone exploitation: activity of groundwater animals in spring

Abstract

AbstractBorder habitats such as interfaces and ecotones are promising research targets being likely areas of high species richness and genetic and phenotypic diversity. Springs are intriguing habitats exploited by both subterranean and surface species. For subterranean species, springs can provide higher trophic resources but can be risky in terms of predation and UV radiation, while for surface species, springs can be safer but less productive environments. We coupled field surveys and laboratory experiments to understand how predation risk and physical constraints, like light occurrence, affect spring exploitation by both a subterranean (Niphargus thuringius) and a surface crustacean amphipod species (Echinogammarus stammeri). From March to May 2021, we surveyed multiple springs and evaluated the activity (both during day and night) of the amphipods and of their predators. Furthermore, in a subterranean laboratory, we reared 80N. thuringiusand 80E. stammeriunder safe and risky conditions with both constant darkness and diel light variation assessing their activity and survival. Risky conditions were represented by the occurrence of meso-predators alone or coupled with the presence of a top predator. In the field,N. thuringiusactivity was negatively related to the density of predators, while laboratory experiments revealed a main role played by light treatments and night period.E. stammeriactivity in the field was higher close to surface while in laboratory conditions decreased during time. In laboratory conditions, predation risk negatively affected survival of both amphipods. Our findings reveal that physical constraints play a key role in affecting the exploitation of ecotones and can mediate antipredator responses, thus providing selective pressures for the exploitation of border environments.Significance statementUnderstanding environmental pressures acting on ecotones is a key point to verify if new adaptations may occur at the border between two distinct habitats. Using both field and laboratory approaches, we show that, in springs, the behaviour of subterranean invertebrates is affected by surface physical constraints which can mediate the effects of predation risk. Behavioural strategies to avoid predation, such as nocturnal activity, may promote spring ecotone exploitation by groundwater animals, such as amphipod crustaceans.