Data from: Highlighting potential physical and chemical cues involved in conspecific recognition system in a predator nematode, Seinura caverna

<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Conspecific recognition is the ability to distinguish and respond to individuals of the same species. In nematodes, this behavior can mediate aggregation, feeding behavior, or mating. Here, we investigated whether and how the predatory nematode <em>Seinura caverna</em> recognizes and avoids conspecifics to prey on. In predation assays, <em>S. caverna</em> did not kill conspecifics, but killed nematodes of three heterospecific species. Interestingly, <em>S. caverna</em> did not kill <em>Ektaphelenchoides</em> <em>spondylis</em> nematodes. <em>S. caverna</em> did not eject its stylet when encountering conspecifics or <em>E. spondylis</em>. The characterization of the internal cuticle structure of 13 nematode species suggested that the cuticle may play a role in the preying decision, as <em>E. spondylis</em> and <em>S. caverna</em> exhibited similar, type III, cuticle layers. Chemical extracts from <em>S.</em> <em>caverna</em> further repelled conspecifics. We discuss the potential hierarchical use of physical and chemical cues in <em>S. caverna</em> predation behavior and provide insights into the evolutionary adaptations and behavior of this organism.  </span></p>