Abstract
AbstractWe study the life history, nymphal feeding and secondary production of two leptophlebiid mayfly species (Habrophlebia eldae and Paraleptophlebia submarginata). They cohabit in a Mediterranean stream and present a very high niche overlap in terms of trophic resources. The life cycle was estimated using size‐frequency analysis of samples taken throughout a year. Both species have a similar but displaced period of the nymphal development. Secondary production was calculated by means of the size‐frequency method. Annual secondary production of P. submarginata is much higher than that of H. eldae (1.95 g DW m–2 year–1 vs. 0.17 g DW m–2 year–1), and presents a quite similar annual P/B ratio, but slightly higher in P. submarginata (6.97 in P. submarginata and 9.21 in H. eldae). The study of the gut contents revealed that they are mainly detritivores but, when larger they feed also on CPOM from leaves fallen in the stream. They present an almost total niche overlap in terms of food acquisition. However the previously mentioned shift in trophic resources utilization with size makes it possible that, because no similar size classes of each species are present at the same time, niche segregation exists between the two species. Though further studies are needed to confirm it, this could be the consequence of previous episodes of competition between them. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
