Dual‐tracer‐based isotope turnover rates in a highly invasive mysid Limnomysis benedeni from Lake Constance

Abstract

Understanding the ecological patterns of invasive species and their habitats require an understanding of the species' foraging ecology. Stable carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) isotope values provide useful information into the study of animal ecology and evolution, since the isotope ratios of consumers reflect consumer's dietary patterns.Nevertheless, the lack of species-and element-specific laboratory-derived turnover rates could limit their application. Using a laboratory-based dual stable isotope tracer approach (Na where the isotopic composition of the animal is not in equilibrium with its diet, this can lead to highly misleading conclusions. Thus, our laboratory-based isotopic incorporation rates assist interpretation of the isotopic values from the field and provide a foundation for future research into using isotopic tracers to investigate invasion ecology. K E Y W O R D S