Capture of large prey and feeding priority in the cooperative pseudoscorpion Paratemnoides nidificator

The social pseudoscorpion Paratemnoides nidificator is a common species in the Brazilian tropical savannah (Cerrado), where colonies are found under the bark of trees. In this environment, colonies hunt for large insects, subduing them by cooperative effort. Small insects are offered as food to nymphs, but large prey tends to be shared by colony members. We investigated the cooperative capture of large prey (Scarabaeidae beetles) by colonies of P. nidificator. During this process, some adults are involved in the immobilization and killing of prey. However, other adults stay as profiteers and do not offer help to subdue the prey. After prey immobilization, pseudoscorpions perform a hierarchical food share in which the attackers begin sucking the prey. These individuals favor the nymphs, offering them the prey and protection during feeding. Profiteer individuals are the last to feed on the carcass. In P. nidificator, obligatory parental care probably favors the evolution of behavioral strategies that prioritize the feeding of juveniles. This mechanism can provide better-quality food for the attackers but offers food to all colony members.