Open AccessGrowth patterns and food habits of Baetis rhodani, Capnia pygmaea and Diura nanseni in a West Norwegian river
Author(s) -
Baekken Torleif
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
ecography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.973
H-Index - 128
eISSN - 1600-0587
pISSN - 0906-7590
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0587.1981.tb00990.x
Subject(s) - detritus , detritivore , ecology , predation , biology , chironomidae , nymph , larva
As a part of weir‐pond‐ecosystem project, the growth patterns and food habits of Baetis rhodani (Ephemeroptera), Capnia pygmaea (Plecoptera), and Diura nanseni (Plecoptera) were investigated. B. rhodani was bivoltine. The winter generation consisted of three cohorts. C. pygmaea and D. nanseni accomplished their nymphal growth in one year. The predominate food consumed by B. rhodani and C. pygmaea was detritus. Variations in the diet of these detritivores are discussed in relation to microdistribution and possible competition. The most common prey items of the carnivorous D. nanseni were chironomids and nymphs of B. rhodani and C. pygmaea . Prey shortage is suggested to be the reason for small D. nanseni eating detritus.