Environmental conditions at the Last Interglacial (Eemian) site Neumark‐Nord 2, Germany inferred from stable isotope analysis of freshwater mollusc opercula

Mollusc biogenic carbonates are valuable records of past environmental conditions. In particular, carbonate oxygen (δ18O) and carbon (δ13C) stable isotopes can be used to reconstruct different physical and chemical parameters, according to the different genera used (marine, freshwater or terrestrial). The Last Interglacial (early Eemian) palaeolake of Neumark-Nord 2 (NN2), Germany provides an excellent example of a Neanderthal archaeological site with abundant freshwater carbonate remains. As in other European contexts, one of the most abundant species is Bithynia tentaculata. In order to provide a robust regional baseline for the interpretation of the archaeological data, this study includes a calibration phase on modern B. tentaculata opercula. The results indicate that these calcitic structures are likely to be subjected to a growth slowdown/cessation during summer, which influences their geochemistry, reflecting mainly the water properties of the rest of the year. This modern calibration, together with the existing palaeoenvironmental reconstructions developed for NN2 (e.g. pollen data), represents a valuable opportunity to establish B. tentaculata opercula as reliable environmental proxies applicable to several other freshwater contexts. The isotope data of the NN2 opercula, in agreement with the pollen record, indicate that the major archaeological horizon was formed during a rather wet period and potentially in a semi-forested environment. However, human occupation occurred also during drier phases at the site and within a wide temperature range, indicating the absence of restricted environmental preferences by the local Neanderthal groups

Predator-Prey Interactions between Shell-Boring Beetle Larvae and Rock-Dwelling Land Snails

Drilus beetle larvae (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are specialized predators of land snails. Here, we describe various aspects of the predator-prey interactions between multiple Drilus species attacking multiple Albinaria (Gastropoda: Clausiliidae) species in Greece. We observe that Drilus species may be facultative or obligate Albinaria-specialists. We map geographically varying predation rates in Crete, where on average 24% of empty shells carry fatal Drilus bore holes. We also provide first-hand observations and video-footage of prey entry and exit strategies of the Drilus larvae, and evaluate the potential mutual evolutionary impacts. We find limited evidence for an effect of shell features and snail behavioral traits on inter-and intraspecifically differing predation rates. We also find that Drilus predators adjust their predation behavior based on specific shell traits of the prey. In conclusion, we suggest that, with these baseline data, this interesting predator-prey system will be available for further, detailed more evolutionary ecology studies

Data Predation Crete

This file provides information on the Cretan Albinaria collection samples used for producing the map of Drilus predation pressure. The samples without taxon identifiers were studied by Francisco W. Welter-Schultes and derived from the Haus der Natur, Cismar. The other samples were studied by Ruth F. Castillo Cajas and derived from the collection of Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden

Data from: Predator-prey interactions between shell-boring beetle larvae and rock-dwelling land snails

Drilus beetle larvae (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are specialized predators of land snails. Here, we describe various aspects of the predator-prey interactions between multiple Drilus species attacking multiple Albinaria (Gastropoda: Clausiliidae) species in Greece. We observe that Drilus species may be facultative or obligate Albinaria-specialists. We map geographically varying predation rates in Crete, where on average 24% of empty shells carry fatal Drilus bore holes. We also provide first-hand observations and video-footage of prey entry and exit strategies of the Drilus larvae, and evaluate the potential mutual evolutionary impacts. We find limited evidence for an effect of shell features and snail behavioral traits on inter- and intra-specifically differing predation rates. We also find that Drilus predators adjust their predation behavior based on specific shell traits of the prey. In conclusion, we suggest that, with these baseline data, this interesting predator-prey system will be available for further, detailed more evolutionary ecology studies

Data Collection Codes

Collection details pertaining to the Albinaria samples, some containing Drilus laevae or adult, that were used in this stud

Appendix_PLOS ONE (herzien)- Voucher numbers - RMNH

This file contains all information relating to the Drilus specimens (adults, larvae, and exuviae) obtained from snail shells in the course of this study. Voucher numbers refer to the official collections in which the specimens were deposited

Greek <i>Albinaria</i> snails and their <i>Drilus</i> predators.

<p>A, <i>Albinaria hippolyti</i> from Crete (photo: V. Wiese). B and C, the clausilium, shown in the shell aperture after removal of the left lateral shell wall (B shows a less-obstructing, N-type clausilium, C shows a more obstructing, G-type clausilium). D and E, a male and a female, respectively, of a yet undescribed <i>Drilus</i> species from Crete (scale: 2 mm). F, a full-grown larva of <i>Drilus</i> “L” from the Peloponnese (same scale as D and E). G, an estivating <i>A. discolor</i> from the Peloponnese, with a <i>Drilus</i> exit bore hole. H, a <i>Drilus</i> “L” exiting from its prey, an <i>A. menelaus</i> from the Peloponnese.</p