Abstract
SUMMARY. 1. In a laboratory experiment, larvae of Simulium noelleri were fed on polystyrene latex microspheres of a range of diameters from 5 to 100 μm.2. Examination of the particle size distribution in the water used in the experiment showed those <13μm to be the most numerous (87% of all particles present). Particles of this size made up 57±2% (mean ±SE)of the total of those in the gut of larvae.3. Comparison of particle composition in the gut contents and the water of the experiment, using Jacob's index of electivity, showed that larvae of all sizes filtered proportionally fewer of the particles <13 μm and more of those >13μm.4. As larvae increased in size they became better able to filter the largest particles present (>52μm in diameter) and less well able to filter the smallest particles (<13μm in diameter).5. Gut retention time was longer in larger larvae.6. The biology of S. noelleri, which inhabits lake outlets in high population densities, is considered in the light of these findings.
Published Version
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