The use of regression equations for estimation of prey length and biomass in diet studies of insectivore vertebrates

Abstract

This work presents two series of allometric regression equations for the estimation of arthropod body length and mass from recognizable remains in food samples of vertebrates. The utility of the equations is tested by analysing faeces from a reptile species Tarentola rnauritanica. The application of these equations greatly increases the number of prey for which body length and biomass is estimated. Consequently, the application of regression equations is encouraged for diet studies, although it is also advisable either to previously test the applicability of published equations or to develop new equations if necessary.