IYENGAR, E.V.: Kleptoparasitism: Prevalence in nature and factors promoting its evolution

Two of the highest priorities for most animals are finding and protecting food resources. Thieves are common, both in the terrestrial and aquatic realms, among invertebrates and vertebrates. Kleptoparasitism, the stealing (inter- or intra-specific) of already-procured food, is ubiquitous. Although this behavior occurs in most taxa in both terrestrial and marine systems, the majority of studies to date are restricted to avian and hymenopteran systems. I will discuss kleptoparasitic examples found throughout the animal realm, concentrating on specific marine examples for which quantitative studies have been performed. I will also consider marine interactions that are likely candidates for kleptoparasitism. The parameters guiding the evolution of kleptoparasitism have been described based on avian models. I will evaluate whether consideration of non-avian systems requires amendments to the established lists of traits promoting kleptoparasitism. I argue that the mobility, agility, primary sensory mode and foraging techniques of the participants are more influential in the evolution of these traits than whether the participants are from aquatic or terrestrial systems. My goals are to alert researchers of the prevalence of kleptoparasitism, identify potential kleptoparasitic interactions that warrant additional studies and encourage comparative studies across taxa that will lead to a greater understanding of the evolution of kleptoparasitism and its impacts on both participants.