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Life cycle and nymphal feeding of Besdolus ravizzarum (Plecoptera: Perlodidae), a threatened stonefly
Author(s) -
Fenoglio Stefano,
Bo Tiziano,
LópezRodríguez Manuel Jesús,
Tierno de Figueroa José Manuel
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
insect science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.991
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1744-7917
pISSN - 1672-9609
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7917.2009.01300.x
Subject(s) - baetidae , biology , threatened species , nymph , ecology , species richness , voltinism , chironomidae , predator , predation , habitat , invertebrate , larva
We have studied some aspects of Besdolus ravizzarum biology in the Apennines. This stonefly has a very localized distribution in southeastern France and northern Italy. This species is considered threatened. For this reason it is especially relevant to improve knowledge about its natural history, previously unknown. Despite the large size of nymphs, this species shows a univoltine life cycle. The growth is slow but uniform from October to April or May when the short flight period occurs. The analysis of the gut contents indicates this species is a predator, feeding mainly on Baetidae and Chironomidae. It is notable that the development of this carnivorous species through cold periods coincides with the season with higher richness and density of potential prey in Apennine streams. Further studies are needed to improve knowledge of the distribution of the species and to start planning effective conservation efforts.