Microwhip Scorpions (Palpigradi) Feed on Heterotrophic Cyanobacteria in Slovak Caves – A Curiosity among Arachnida

Researchers have uncovered an unusual feeding behavior among microwhip scorpions (Palpigradi) in Slovak caves, revealing that these rare arachnids primarily consume heterotrophic cyanobacteria. This discovery is significant as it deviates from the predominantly predacious diet of most Arachnida. The study, conducted over a year in Ardovská Cave using histological methods including Masson's triple staining and confocal microscopy, analyzed 17 specimens of Eukoenenia spelaea. The presence of guanine crystals, glycogen deposits, and haemocytes in their guts confirmed the digestibility of cyanobacteria, which are known for their resilience in extreme cave environments. This finding sheds light on the ecological role of microwhip scorpions and challenges conventional understanding of arachnid feeding habits.

Smrž, J., Kováč, Ĺ., Mikeš, J., & Lukešová, A. (2013). Microwhip Scorpions (Palpigradi) Feed on Heterotrophic Cyanobacteria in Slovak Caves – A Curiosity among Arachnida. PLoS ONE, 8(10), e75989. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0075989