Foraging behavior plasticity in antlion larvae Myrmeleon brasiliensis (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae)

The biotic and abiotic factors of an ecosystem exert an influence on the behavior and survival of organisms, which adapt to changes in these factors to ensure their reproduction and survival. Phenotypic plasticity regards any type of change induced by the environment without the need for genetic modifications. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the investment of the antlion, Myrmeleon brasiliensis (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae) in trap building is a phenotypic response that changes according to the surrounding environment. Larvae were observed in their natural environment (control), in a simulated natural environment (below tents) and after being transplanted to the laboratory. We found that the investment in trap size is a plastic phenotypic response in M. brasiliensis larvae and this behavior varies in accordance with the location in which the larvae build their traps. In areas with protection for the traps, greater investment was made in the size of the trap and consequently increased the success in capturing prey.