Behavioural response of blackfly larvae (Simuliidae, Diptera) to different current velocities

Abstract

Video equipment was used to record and to compare the behaviour of different blackfly species at two flow velocities 0.25 m s −1 and 1.35 m s −1. Simulium noelleri Friederichs, Simulium ornatum (complex) Meigen and Simulium variegatum Meigen were studied. Effects of flow velocity on larval locomotive activties were analysed. Looping activity and the time needed to attach for filter feeding again were affectet to some extend, depending on species and flow velocity. While in S. ornatum no differences were recorded in locomotive activity, larvae of S. noelleri and S. variegatum were less active at high flow velocities. Larvae of S. noelleri also moved over shorter distances when exposed to high flow velocities. Consequences of the differences in behavioural response to flow velocities are discussed with respect to drift and silk pad adhesion.