Association of Exoenzyme-producing Bacteria with Chironomid larvae (Diptera: Chironomidae) in relation to the Feeding Habit

Abstract

Feeding habit of chironomid larvae in respect to several exoenzyme-producing bacteria along with enteric and gram-negative bacteria were examined. The study revealed that the larvae ingested mainly five types of food without seasonal variation. Algae, especially diatoms and fungi, were found to increase gradually in the gut contents from the early to the later months of investigation while sand particles were observed a gradual decrease from April to July and were absent in August and September. However, detritus retained more or less constant level. Among exoenzyme-producing bacteria, aerobic heterotrophic and amylase producing bacteria showed a more or less same population load while cellulase, lipase and protease producing bacteria increased and enteric gram negative bacteria decreased from the pre-monsoon to monsoon months. A positive correlation between the increase of organic food items and exoenzyme producing bacterial load might imply a strong symbiotic relationship between the bacteria and the bloodworms.