Abstract
Colonization of Nostoc verrucosum Vaucher by chironomid larvae (Cricotopus sp.) has been observed in a mountain stream in northeastern Spain. Colonies containing the midge were globose, 1.4 mm thick, 3.1 mm long, and 2.4 mm wide. The form of the pads was slightly compressed, arranged in parallel to or slightly oblique to the stream flow. The midge–Nostoc association shows a more globose growth form than that described for N. parmelioides Kütz. (ear‐like forms). Inhabited pads were usually located in the upper part of the colonies, and the midge did not contact the substratum. The midge was therefore unable to secure the colony to the substratum. The morphology and dimensions of the Nostoc cells in pads with Cricotopus were very similar to those without the midge. The globose growth form of the colonized pads does not suggest any special advantage with respect to chironomid‐free N. verrucosum concerning flow preferences and light exposure in the stream habitat.
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