Zoophagy in Collembola

Abstract

The feeding of collembolans on animal food, including nematodes and small enchytraeids, was studied in laboratory. Active preying on worms was found in more than 30 Collembola species. Fecundity and natural growth of the collembolan populations were similar in the case of separate diet (fungal and animal), but mixed feeding increased both parameters by several times. No special hunting behavior was found, and feeding on nematodes was very similar to gathering. Several collembolans attack small enchytraeids together, dismembering living worms.