Exploratory analysis reveals arthropod consumption in 10 lemur species using DNA metabarcoding

Arthropods (insects, spiders, etc.) can fulfill major nutritional requirements for primates, particularly in terms of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Yet, many primate species we know very little about the frequency importance arthropod consumption. Traditional methods prey identification, such as behavioral observations fecal dissections, offer limited taxonomic resolution and, a result, underestimate true diversity. Metabarcoding DNA from samples provides promising but underused alternative. Here, inventoried diversity wild lemurs by sequencing two regions CO1 gene. Samples were collected opportunistically 10 inhabiting three national parks southern Madagascar using combination focal animal follows live trapping. In total, detected 98 170 analyzed. Although all lemur included these analyses showed evidence consumption, those within family Cheirogaleidae appeared to consume highest arthropods. To our knowledge, this study presents first consumption Phaner pallescens, Avahi peyrierasi, Propithecus verreauxi, identifies 32 families arthropods probable food items that have not been published dietary date. Our emphasizes source role metabarcoding play elucidating an animal's diet.