The response of Melampophylax mucoreus (Hagen) (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) to rapid sedimentation

• Published in: Hydrobiologia Vol. 455; no. 1-3; pp. 183 - 188
• Main Authors: WOOD, P. J, VANN, A. R, WANLESS, P. J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer 01.07.2001; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Aquatic ecosystems; Autoecology; Biological and medical sciences; Freshwater; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Insects; Larvae; Limnephilidae; Melampophylax mucoreus; Protozoa. Invertebrata; Sedimentation; Sedimentation & deposition; Sediments; Insecta; Trichoptera; Environmental factor; Burying; Experimental study; Limnephilidae; Survival; Sedimentation; Depth; Freshwater environment; Larva; Arthropoda; Emergence; Stream; Invertebrata
• ISSN: 0018-8158; 1573-5117
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1011985403744

The larvae of Melampophylax mucoreus were buried with either 5 mm or 10 mm of four sediment size classes and their response recorded. The majority of individuals (63.8%) were able to extract themselves from the sediment within the 900 second (15 minute) experimental period. Body length was significantly greater in those larvae which excavated themselves compared to those that did not. Sedimentation/burial with finer sediment size classes to a greater depth significantly increased the escape time of larvae. The results are discussed in relation to the impact of sedimentation on larval trichopterans and other benthic organisms.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]