Abstract

ABSTRACT Life cycle and feeding habits of Boyeria vinosa nymphs (Odonata: Aeshnidae) were examined over a three year period in Chestnut Creek, Virginia. Boyeria vinosa was univoltine with a synchronous emergence in late May to early June. These results differ from previous studies which report a semivoltine life cycle. Chironomids, hydropsychids and baetids comprised the majority of prey consumed. Seasonal variation in available prey and prey selection occurred, however proportions of prey consumed did not always correlate with prey availability. Chironomids were consumed throughout the year in roughly the same proportions as they occurred in the environment. Baetids served as the major food source in summer and autumn during which time hydropsychids were under-utilized as prey. We speculate that the conspicuous swimming behavior of baetids drew the attention of B. vinosa nymphs and caused them to be preferentially selected.

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