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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Occam's Razor Vol. 7 - Full (2017)
Effectiveness Of Chemical Defense In A Tropical Millipede Species On A Potential Predator, The Tarantula Megaphobema Mesomelas, Maya L. Klem
Effectiveness Of Chemical Defense In A Tropical Millipede Species On A Potential Predator, The Tarantula Megaphobema Mesomelas, Maya L. Klem
Occam's Razor
Millipedes are known to have a variety of physical and chemical defenses to deter predators. Some species of tropical millipedes have considerably reduced primary defenses when compared to other tropical millipedes, but do retain chemical defense mechanisms. This study uses the tarantula Megaphobema mesomelas to test the effectiveness of a secondary defense mechanism, cyanide and benzaldehyde, from a species lacking a robust primary defense. Five tarantulas were found and collected around Monteverde, Costa Rica and brought into the Monteverde Biological Station. They were housed in tanks to allow for controlled feeding trials. Two treatment groups were created: millipedes with cyanide …