scholarly journals Preimaginal feeding habits of Dictyogenus fontium (Plecoptera, Perlodidae) in an alpine brook in NW Italy

2007 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Fenoglio ◽  
Tiziano Bo ◽  
Giorgio Malacarne
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Plant Detritus ◽  
Trophic Preferences ◽  
Nw Italy

The feeding habits of Dictyogenus fontium nymphs were investigated in the Rio Olen, an alpine brook in NW Italy. In an analysis of the gut contents of 84 nymphs, we detected evident trophic preferences: Chironomidae (Diptera) were the major component of the prey ingested, independently of their availability in the substratum. Plant detritus and algae were also an important part of the diet of this carnivorous stonefly. The findings are discussed on the basis of ecological considerations.

scholarly journals Diet of Dinocras cephalotes and Perla marginata (Plecoptera: Perlidae) in an Apennine stream (northwestern Italy)

2007 ◽  
Vol 139 (3) ◽  
pp. 358-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiziano Bo ◽  
Stefano Fenoglio ◽  
Giorgio Malacarne
Keyword(s):  
Trophic Structure ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Freshwater Invertebrates ◽  
Trophic Preferences ◽  
Prey Items

AbstractThe feeding habits of nymphs of Perla marginata (Panzer) and Dinocras cephalotes (Curtis) were investigated in the Rio Orbarina (northwestern Italy). These species are among the largest European carnivorous freshwater invertebrates and they play an important role in the trophic structure of small, fishless Apennine streams. We examined the gut contents of 60 P. marginata and 60 D. cephalotes nymphs to characterize the diets and evaluate possible feeding differences between the species. In both of these predaceous stoneflies, the diet included vegetable detritus, mainly in the smaller instars. Both species showed trophic preferences, since only a few taxa constituted most of the ingested prey items, independently of their availability in the substratum. Interestingly, there were no clear differences in prey selection between nymphs of the two species.

Feeding ecology of Symbolophorus californiensis larvae (Teleostei: Myctophidae) in the southern transition region of the western North Pacific

2009 ◽  
Vol 90 (6) ◽  
pp. 1249-1256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiyuki Sassa
Keyword(s):  
Transition Region ◽  
North Pacific ◽  
Western North Pacific ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Larval Growth ◽  
Trophic Niche ◽  
Size Class ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Wide Range

The feeding habits of myctophid larvae of Symbolophorus californiensis were examined in the southern transition region of the western North Pacific where the main spawning and nursery grounds of S. californiensis are formed. This species is a key component of the pelagic ecosystems of this region, and their larvae attain one of the largest sizes among myctophids. To analyse gut contents larvae, including most life history stages after yolk-sac absorption (3.7 to 22.2 mm body length (BL)), were collected in the upper 100 m layer in 1997 and 1998. Feeding incidence was higher during the day than at night (53.1–92.3% versus 0–5.6%), and daytime feeding incidence increased gradually with larval growth. Larvae fed mainly on copepods of various developmental stages. Larvae of S. californiensis showed an ontogenetic change in their diet: larvae ≤7.9 mm BL (i.e. preflexion stage) fed mainly on copepod eggs and nauplii, while the larvae ≥8 mm BL consumed mainly calanoid copepodites such as Pseudocalanus and Paracalanus spp. In the largest size-class (16–22.2 mm BL), the furcilia stage of euphausiids was also an important prey item. There was an increase in the average prey size with growth in larvae ≤11.9 mm BL, while the number of prey eaten positively correlated with growth in larvae ≥12 mm BL. The trophic niche breadth also increased with larval growth, which would ensure a wide range of available food resources for the larger size-class larvae.

scholarly journals Hábitos alimentarios de quironómidos (Diptera: Chironomidae) en lagos del páramo de Chingaza, Colombia

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulibey Caleño Ruiz ◽  
Carlos Alberto Rivera Rondon ◽  
Hernando Ovalle
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Diet Overlap ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Trophic Guilds ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Fine Particulate ◽  
Chironomidae Larvae ◽  
Well Differentiated

Tropical high mountain lakes show unique environmental conditions where chironomids play an important role in ecosystem functioning. The characteristics of these environments could favor diet overlap and therefore a high interspecific competition. This study described the dietary habits of chironomid genera, identified whether the dietary habits were specialized or generalist, and analyzed the diet overlap in the genera. Chironomidae larvae were collected from four lakes of the Chingaza paramo during the dry season, between April and May of 2 016. The feeding habits of larvae were evaluated by analyzing gut contents following standard methods. Each genus was assigned to trophic guilds (carnivore, detritivore and algivore) and the diet overlap was estimated using the Pinka's index. A total of 1 003 individuals were collected and nine genera were identified. Larvae consumed mainly fine particulate organic matter (FPOM), algae, macrophyte fragments, macroinvertebrates, and animal tissues. FPOM was the main feeding resource of detritivores. The analysis of diets showed a high affinity of each genus for a single trophic guild and most of the genera were generalist in the use of resources. For all lakes, high levels of diet overlap were observed among genera and trophic guilds, mainly among detritivores. Our results suggested that Chironomidae larvae of these lakes presented well differentiated trophic habits, and showed a moderate diet overlap within detritivores and carnivores.

Proceedings of the First International Snakehead Symposium

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Feeding Activity ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Random Forest Models ◽  
Radio Transmitters ◽  
Diurnal Species ◽  
Tracking Period

<em>Abstract.</em>—Understanding the diel activity of a species can shed light on potential interactions with other species and inform management practices. To understand the diel activity of Northern Snakehead <em>Channa argus</em>, feeding habits and movement patterns were observed. Two hundred seventy-three Northern Snakehead were captured by boat electrofishing during May and June of 2007 and 2008. Their gut contents were extracted and preserved. The level of digestion of each prey item was estimated from fresh (1) to >50% digested (4) or empty (5). Random forest models were used to predict feeding activity based on time of day, tide level, date, water temperature, fish total length, and sex. Diel movement patterns were assessed by implanting Northern Snakehead with radio transmitters and monitoring them every 1.5 h for 24 h in both March and July 2007. Movement rates were compared between March and July and among four daily time periods. Independent variables accounted for only 6% of the variation in feeding activity; however, temporal feeding patterns were apparent. No fresh items were observed in guts between 12:30 and 7:30 am, and the proportion of empty stomachs increased at the end of May coinciding with the onset of spawning. Overall, fish moved greater distances during the July tracking period compared to March. Fish showed a greater propensity to move during daylight hours than at night during the March tracking period. A similar but nonsignificant (<EM>P </EM>> 0.05) pattern was observed in July. Movement and feeding data both indicated greater activity during daylight hours than at night, suggesting that Northern Snakehead is a diurnal species. Based on our preliminary findings, we hypothesize that a) diurnal species are more susceptible than nocturnal species to predation by Northern Snakehead and b) Northern Snakehead are more likely to compete for food with diurnal than nocturnal predators.

scholarly journals Feeding habits of Chironomid larvae (Insecta: Diptera) from a stream in the Floresta da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2003 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. L. Henriques-Oliveira ◽  
J. L. Nessimian ◽  
L. F. M. Dorvillé
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Particulate Organic Matter ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Chironomid Larvae ◽  
Main Food ◽  
Animal Remains ◽  
Aquatic Food ◽  
Main Food Source

Chironomids larvae are frequently one of the most abundant and diverse groups of insects in several kinds of aquatic environments. Also, they play a major role in the aquatic food webs, representing a major link among producers and secondary consumers. This work investigates the feeding behavior of the chironomid larvae present in the Rio da Fazenda, situated in the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between August 1994 and May 1995. Algae, fungi, pollen, leaf and wood fragments, animal remains, detritus and silt were the main gut contents found in the larvae studied. The main food item ingested by the larvae was detritus, except for the Stenochironomus whose main food source was leaf and wood fragments. Tanypodinae exhibited a large quantity of animal remains of several kinds in the diet. During the period studied it was observed that the diet of 16 genera (out of 24 studied) varied. Tanypodinae had mainly coarse particulate organic matter (> 1 mm) in the gut contents, while Chironominae and Orthocladiinae had fine particulate organic matter (< 1 mm).

The larvae of Placusa Mannerheim (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), with notes on their feeding habits

1990 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 477-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
James S. Ashe
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Gut Contents

AbstractLarvae of Placusa despecta Erichson collected in association with adults were described in detail and compared with reared larvae of Placusa tachyporoides Waltl. Illustrations of structural features and chaetotaxy are provided. These larvae are very similar to those of Euvira Sharp. These similarities are outlined and a table of features which will distinguish between larvae of these two genera is provided. Gut contents of both larvae and adults were composed of large masses of hyphae, asexual fruiting structures and similar parts of imperfect fungi. This, as well as structural evidence, strongly supports the conclusion that both adults and larvae of Placusa are primarily fungivores in the subcortical habitat.

scholarly journals Can mandible morphology help predict feeding habits in Antarctic amphipods?

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 496-507
Author(s):  
Loïc N. Michel ◽  
Fabienne L. Nyssen ◽  
Patrick Dauby ◽  
Marie Verheye
Keyword(s):  
Functional Groups ◽  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Generalist Predators ◽  
Dietary Specialization ◽  
Important Place ◽  
Antarctic Amphipod

AbstractIn Antarctica, amphipods form a highly diverse group, occupy many different ecological niches and hold an important place in food webs. Here, we aimed to test whether differences in Antarctic amphipod feeding habits were reflected in their mandible morphology, and if mouthpart specialization could be used to describe amphipod trophic ecology. To do so, we compared mandible morphology in nine species spanning seven families and five functional groups (grazers, suspension feeders, generalist predators, specialist predators and scavengers). Mandible morphology adequately depicted some aspects of amphipod trophic ecology, such as the trophic level at which animals feed or their degree of dietary specialization. On the other hand, links between mandible morphology and amphipod diet were seldom unambiguous or straightforward. Similar adaptations were found in distinct functional groups. Conversely, mandible morphology could vary within a single functional group, and phylogenetic effects sometimes complicated the interpretation of form-function relationships. Overall, mandible morphology on its own was generally not sufficient to precisely predict amphipod feeding strategies. However, when combined with other methods (e.g. gut contents, trophic markers), it constitutes a valuable source of information for integrative studies of amphipod ecological diversity in the Southern Ocean.

scholarly journals Food and Feeding Habits of the Mola Carplet Amblypharyngodon mola (Hamilton, 1822) in Rice Field Ecosystem with Consideration of Water Quality Parameters

Our Nature ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Mostafizur Rahman Mondol ◽  
Dil Afroz Nahar ◽  
Somen Dewan ◽  
Md. Mosaddequr Rahman ◽  
Saleha Jasmine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Rice Field ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Gut Content Analysis ◽  
Gut Content ◽  
Field Ecosystem ◽  
Food And Feeding ◽  
Plankton Population

The present investigation was conducted in the Agronomy field laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh during May 1999 to August 1999 to reveal the food and feeding habits of Amblypharyngodon mola in the rice field ecosystem. Percentage of frequency of occurrence and percentage in number methods were used for the qualitative and quantitative estimation of plankton population. Results showed that, during the present study, the water quality parameters were within the suitable range for optimal fish growth and plankton population was abundant in the water of the rice plots. Gut content analysis of A. mola revealed a sum of 32 genera of phytoplankton belonging to Chlorophyceae (17), Euglenophyceae (2), Cyanophyceae (7) and Bacillariophyceae (6) and 8 genera of zooplankton under Rotifera (3), Cladocera (2) and Copepoda (3). In general, Navicula, Fragilaria, Chlorella, Chrysococcus, Closterium, Oscillatoria and Gomphosphaeria were found abundant both in the water of the rice plots and in the gut contents of A. mola indicating that, these genera are preferred food of this fish in the rice field ecosystem. Gut content analysis also exposed that, phytoplankton was the major food item constituting 94.38% of the gut contents’ composition of A. mola whereas zooplankton comprised only 5.62%. The results of this study conclude that, the A. mola is planktivorous in nature, feeding mostly on phytoplankton and could be a suitable species for integrated rice-fish farming.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v11i1.8245 Our Nature Vol.11(1) 2013: 61-75

The Ecology of the Eastern Water Rat Hydromys Chrysogaster at Griffith, N.s.w.: Food and Feeding Habits.

1978 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 59 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Woollard ◽  
WJM Vestjens ◽  
L Maclean
Keyword(s):  
Plant Material ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Starch Content ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Freshwater Mussel ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Hydromys Chrysogaster

The eastern water rat, Hydromys chrysogaster, lives in inland waters, estuaries, sea beaches and islands from Queensland to South Australia and Tasmania. It is adapted to semiaquatic life and changes in its molar teeth may be an adaptation to diet of crustaceans and molluscs. The present study was of 408 stomach contents and 316 contents of caecum with rectum, collected in New South Wales in 1970-73 from permanent Typha swamp. From elsewhere there were 12 other stomach and 11 gut contents and live rats were observed. At any time of day but particularly in evenings the rats swam along the bank or between logs or reed clumps, foraging and catching fish. Captive rats crushed small mussels and left large mussels to open by exposure. Diet varied with season and included crustaceans, mostly the yabbie, a crayfish (Cherax destructor), spiders, all Araneida with one identified as of the suborder Pisauridae, a fishing spider. Insects were the main food and were eaten in all seasons, and included larvae, nymphs and adults. Only 1% of rats had the freshwater mussel Veksurio ambiguus but the flesh was difficult to identify and empty shells were often found. Fish were eaten all the year, and were found in up to 35% of rats in autumn and winter; fish may be underestimated because flesh is not easily recognised and hard parts are not much eaten. Several species of fish, mostly introduced, were identified, their ages estimated from their scales, and length was calculated to be up to 36 cm. Frogs and macquaria tortoise (Emydura macquarii) were eaten. Birds were eaten all the year and were in up to 10% of stomachs in winter. Personal communications are quoted, from persons having seen H. chrysogaster capture large adult birds including duck and mutton bird (Puffinus tenuirostris). Captive rats were able to open cracked hen's eggs but left intact eggs. Plant material was eaten as food and possibly also in stomachs of prey. For 3 rats half the starch content was plant; 3 other stomachs had 5, 40 and 50% plant material, Azolla fuliculoides. Differences in diet with age are described. H. chrysogaster was an adaptable and opportunist feeder, making use of transient plenty of insects, exploiting plagues among other species and using plants during shortage of food. They may control introduced pests such as perch, or control yabbies in irrigation ditches.

Comparative foregut functional morphology of three co-occurring mysids (Crustacea: Mysidacea) from south-eastern Tasmania

1994 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ephrime B. Metillo ◽  
David A. Ritz
Keyword(s):  
Functional Morphology ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Feeding Habit ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Depth Of Field ◽  
Internal Arrangement ◽  
Scanning Electron

Studies of mysid diets by gut contents analysis have generally revealed a broadly omnivorous feeding habit, but there are also tendencies towards carnivory, herbivory and/or detritivory (e.g. Nath & Pillai, 1973; Siegfried & Kopache, 1980; Mauchline, 1980; Zagursky & Feller, 1985; Wooldridge & Bailey, 1982; Webb & Wooldridge, 1989). Examination of feeding structures is also necessary to support inferences about feeding ecology (e.g. Webb & Wooldridge, 1989). However, there have been few studies relating to the functional morphology of mysid foreguts (Gelderd, 1909; Haffer, 1965; Nath & Pillai, 1973; Mauchline, 1980; Friesen et al., 1986; Webb & Wooldridge, 1989; Storch, 1989). With the exception of the latter two studies, qualitative descriptions and characterization of the different internal foregut structures have been primarily based on light microscopy. These studies may misinterpret the internal arrangement, topography, and three-dimensional orientation of the internal armature of the foregut, mainly due to problems with depth of field (Grice & Lawson, 1971). Oshel & Steele (1988), from SEM observations, briefly described some foregut features of Gnathophausia ingens. In a comparative study, Storch (1989), using the techniques of transmission and scanning electron microscopy, described in detail the different food chambers and channels, cuticular ridges, and ultrastructure of the epithelial and cuticular linings of the mysid foregut. Webb & Wooldridge (1989) noted the strong relationship between mouthparts, foregut morphology, and the feeding habits of two co-occurring mysids.

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