Observations on the natural diet of Cymatia bonsdorfi (C. Sahlb.) (Heteroptera: Corixidae): an immunological analysis

Abstract

Immunological analyses of the gut contents of 1769 adult and 486 nymphal instars of the lesser waterboatman, Cymatia bonsdorfi, from Lough Corrib, western Ireland, were performed using a double immunodiffusion technique. Antisera against six potential prey categories (Oligochaeta, Cladocera, Copepoda, Gammarus, Diptera and Ephemeroptera), identified on the basis of field and laboratory observations, were utilized. Diptera larvae formed over 90% of the diet of adult bugs and were also the principal prey group of all nymphal instars.