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Invertebrate predation of 15 N‐marked prey in semi‐field wheat enclosures
Author(s) -
Nienstedt Karin M.,
Poehling HansMichael
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
entomologia experimentalis et applicata
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.765
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1570-7458
pISSN - 0013-8703
DOI - 10.1111/j.0013-8703.2004.00155.x
Subject(s) - predation , biology , epigeal , predator , fauna , invertebrate , ecology , zoology
In order to explore the suitability of using 15 N as marker in predation studies, a semi‐field test was carried out. This study focused on epigeic polyphagous predators in a wheat field using 15 N‐marked aphids as prey. The 15 N‐aphids were released in enclosures. Eight days after their release the whole predator fauna of the enclosures was caught, and predators were analysed for 15 N‐content. More than 80% of the predators showed an enriched 15 N‐content. The 15 N‐enrichments varied between taxonomic groups, species, sex, and individuals, providing an extensive data set for the analysis of predation. Competition between predators could be inferred, as well as an estimation of the number of consumed aphids. During this experiment, the carabids Platynus dorsalis (Pontoppidan) and Calathus melanocephalus (L.), the staphylinid Philonthus cognatus Stephens, and the spider Oedothorax apicatus (Blackwall) were the most efficient polyphagous predators upon aphids, in agreement with literature data which was based on other methods.