Unveiling prey choice in scorpions with metabarcoding of regurgitant

Understanding the feeding habits and prey preferences of predators can be extremely informative for interpreting ecological interactions and ecosystem dynamics. Invertebrate predators, including scorpions, play crucial roles in terrestrial ecosystems, yet their prey choices and dietary preferences are relatively unstudied and have been challenging to determine accurately. In this study, we explore the utility of metabarcoding regurgitate as a novel method to infer prey choice in wild scorpions within the unique context of the hyperspeciose Baja Peninsula in Mexico. By inducing scorpions to regurgitate, and metabarcoding the regurgitant material, we determine the diversity and abundance of prey consumed by these enigmatic predators. Our findings represent the first application of regurgitation analysis to determine prey utilization, providing valuable insights into their trophic ecology and foraging behavior within this specialized ecosystem. This method can be applied to questions about the ecological roles and niche specialization of these organisms. Overall, our study highlights the potential utility of invertebrate regurgitation analysis as a non-invasive and powerful tool for studying predator-prey interactions and trophic dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems, with implications for conservation, pest management, and ecosystem management strategies.