ISSN:
1570-7458
Keywords:
aggregation
;
physical effects
;
statistical probabilities
;
feeding
;
depuration rates
;
Diptera
;
Chironomidae
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Chironomids are the most widely distributed group of insect larvae in freshwater environments. They are frequently the dominant primary consumers and show competitive interactions due to their requirements for foraging space in suitable substrates. In order to investigate the factors involved in substrate selection a simple choice chamber has been constructed that enables larvae of Chironomus ripariusMeigen (Diptera, Chironomidae) to select wells, in which they can establish tubes, according to a number of chemical and physical parameters. The statistical probabilities of them aggregating randomly in this way were calculated for a variety of occupancies. The larvae developed distinct patterns of non-random aggregation in the wells. Subsequent experiments showed that the presence of food at sites of burrowing affected settling but physical irregularities were necessary in order to facilitate burrowing and establish random patterns. Once the animals had selected their habitat the rate of feeding on the sediment was relatively constant with a gut-clearance time of about 12 h although starving the animals before or after feeding affected the rate of passage of sediment through the anterior of the gut.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1003995709489
Permalink
