Growth of New Zealand stream insect larvae in relation to food type

M. E. Ledger*, M. J. Winterbourn

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Many common primary consumers in New Zealand streams are thought to be opportunists that have broad trophic requirements. To test this contention, larval growth of six commonly occurring insect species (Pycnocentria evecta, Pycnocentrodes aureola, Beraeoptera roria, Deleatidium sp. (nr vernale), Nesameletus ornatus and Zelandobius confusus) was compared when fed three contrasting diets (epilithic biofilm, Nothofagus leaves (CPOM) and fine sediment (FPOM)) for 28 days. Larvae of all six species grew well (increasing in dry weight by 60-550 % in 28 days) when fed on each of the three diets. Growth of four species (Z. confusus, P. aureola, Deleatidium sp. and B. roria) was affected by diet. Where differences existed, higher mean growth was observed on biofilm than on CPOM and/or FPOM, suggesting that the former resource was of higher quality. Survivorship of larvae was high on all diets (70-100 %), although slightly reduced survival of N. ornatus and B. roria was observed on FPOM. Variation in the growth responses of the six species is discussed in relation to mouthpart morphology, habitat preferences and larval mobility. Our results are consistent with the view that some New Zealand stream invertebrates are trophic generalists.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)353-364
Number of pages12
JournalArchiv fur Hydrobiologie
Volume149
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2000

Keywords

  • Growth
  • Macroinvertebrates
  • Streams
  • Survivorship
  • Trophic generalists

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aquatic Science

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