Predation by Erythemis nymphs (Odonata) on Chironomidae (Diptera) and Elmidae (Coleoptera) in different conditions of habitat complexity

Abstract

Abstract Aim: The goal of this study was to analyze the effects of predation by nymphs of Erythemis Hagen, 1861 on Elmidae and Chironomidae and to check if the presence and the architecture of aquatic macrophytes may mediate this interaction. Methods: All prey as well as nymphs were captured near macrophytes in a small lagoon alongside a highway near Humaitá, Amazonas, Brazil. Twelve buckets were used in three different treatments: with Pistia stratiotes Linnaeus, 1753, with Salvinia auriculata Aublet and without macrophytes. Results: We found a mortality rate of 100% of Chironomidae and Elmidae larvae in the treatment without macrophytes. There was a greater survival of Elmidae compared to Chironomidae in the treatments with P. stratiotes and S. auriculata; however, there was a greater survival of both preys on treatment with P. stratiotes. Conclusions: We conclude that the presence of macrophytes decreased the efficiency of predation of Erythemis nymphs under experimental conditions. The architecture of macrophytes affected predation as macrophytes with longer roots and with greater habitat complexity promoted a greater survival of prey.

Keywords

• libélulas
• lago
• macrófita