Risposte comportamentali di <em>Crocidura leucodon</em> (Hermann, 1780) (Insectivora, Soricidae) ai meccanismi antipredatori di alcuni Artropodi

Abstract

<strong>Abstract</strong> <strong>Behavioural responses of <em>Crocidura leucodon</em> (Insectivora, Soricidae) to Arthropod preys with various antipredatory defenses</strong> Two wild specimens of <em>Crocidura leucodon</em> have been tested in laboratory to study the predatory behaviour towards different types of preys: Arthropods with chemical defenses and aposematic colours (<em>Brachinus sclopeta</em>, <em>B. crepitans</em>, <em>B. peregrinus</em>, <em>Chlaenius chrysocephalus</em>, <em>Anchomenus dorsalis</em>) and less protected species (es. <em>Scybalicus oblongiusculus</em>, <em>Parophonus hispanus</em>, <em>Steropus melas</em>, <em>Calathus montivagus</em>). In the first part of the experiment satiated <em>Crocidura</em> specimens preyed only on non protected species. In the second part satiated and food deprived <em>Crocidura</em> began to prey, although with less intensity, also on highly protected species. The shrews adopted "new" attack modes to avoid chemical injuries