Abstract
The variation in ingestion rate throughout one entire instar of the isopod Idotea baltica (Pallas) is described and compared with that suggested by Duncan and Klekowski for a generalized continuous feeder. Feeding is greatly inhibited during ecdysis, enhanced directly afterward, and diminishes slightly for the latter half of the moulting cycle to a level that corresponds to the mean daily ingestion rate for the entire cycle. This fluctuation accounts for 86% of the residual variation in ingestion rate remaining after the influence of body length is removed. It is thought that an increased ingestion rate immediately following ecdysis ensures that sufficient minerals are available for rapid calcification of the new integument.
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