Abstract
SUMMARY (3) There were interspecific, but not intraspecific, differences in the incubation period and the length of the hatching period in the laboratory; both variables were adequately represented by a negative power-function in relation to water temperature over the relevant range (3-8-12-1 ?C for A. standfussi, 3-8-22-1 ?C for other species). Degree-days could also be used to predict hatching time in P. montana (336? days), N. erratica (356? days), N. cambrica (289? days). For all ten species, the power-functions obtained from the laboratory data provided good estimates of incubation periods for egg batches placed in a Lake District stream. (4) Interspecific differences in egg development in the ten species are related to their different larval habitats and flight periods (months in which adults are present). These differences ensure a continual succession of species throughout the year and a reduction in competition between closely-related species; this reduction being almost total for the cold-water stenotherms (A. standfussi, P. montana, N. erratica) and species living in still or very slow running water (N. avicularis, N. cinerea), but only partial for the remaining species. This investigation and a previous one on six Leuctra spp. (Elliott 1987) provide examples of a physiological mechanism by which complex resource partitioning can occur
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.
