Diel feeding ecology of three species of aquatic insects

Journal of Freshwater Ecology
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Abstract

Aspects of the diel feeding ecology of the odonate nymphs Anax Junius and Ischnura verticalis and the ephemeropteran Callibaetis fluctuans were examined over a 24-h period in a small pond. Detrital material was the primary food of both A. Junius and I. verticalis. Aquatic insects (mainly C. fluctuans) were the second ranking prey in the diel diet of A. Junius, whereas ostracods were the second most important prey consumed by I. verticalis. Diet overlap between A. Junius and I. verticalis was high ([xbar] = 0.76) when detritus was considered but fell to 0.25 when detrital material was omitted. Food consumption by the odonate nymphs was highest at 0800 h and was generally lowest from 2400 h to 0400 h. Conversely, feeding activity by C. fluctuans peaked between 2400 h and 0400 h with the least feeding occurring at 0800 h. Differences in diel feeding patterns between the ephemeropteran and odonate species may reflect predator avoidance behavior by C. fluctuans.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Diel feeding ecology of three species of aquatic insects
Series title Journal of Freshwater Ecology
DOI 10.1080/02705060.1995.9663433
Volume 10
Issue 2
Year Published 1995
Language English
Publisher Taylor & Francis
Contributing office(s) Leetown Science Center
Description 6 p.
First page 183
Last page 188
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