The effect of vegetation patterns on oviposition habitat preference: A driving mechanism in terrestrial chironomid (Diptera: Chironomidae) succession?

Abstract

AbstractRelationships between changes of two species of terrestrial chironomids (Smittia cf. aterrima and Bryophaenocladius cf. virgo) and changes of vegetation cover during succession were studied with respect to plant — chironomid interaction in particular stages of chironomid life cycle. Several vegetation types forming vegetation mosaics in suburban fallow were distinguished according to their spatial architecture (height; density etc.). Abundance of chironomid larvae in particular type of vegetation and an area covered by these vegetation types were studied for three years. During one year the effect of vegetation types on density of aerial drift, oviposition habitat preference and adult emergence was studied in detail. Aerial drift was studied using pan traps, oviposition using soil sampling and adult emergence using emergence trap. Main results were similar for both species. Chironomid larvae were abundant in soil in initial years of succession. They were concentrated in patches with open and low height vegetation. Later their abundance decreased corresponding to a reduction of open and low vegetation areas. Greater density of aerial drift and oviposition preference was observed in areas of open and low vegetation. The success of larval development agreed with oviposition preference for winter larval generation only. The less preferred habitats seemed to be more suitable for summer generation. The results indicated that successional changes of terrestrial chironomids can be explained by the effect of vegetation cover on oviposition habitat preference.