The temperature dependence of embryonic and larval development in Protonemura intricata (Plecoptera: Nemouridae)

Abstract

SUMMARY. 1. Egg development and larval growth of Protonemura intricata (Ris, 1902) (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) were studied in the laboratory and in the Breitenbach, a small stream‐in Germany (F.R.G.).2. The mean number of eggs in batches collected from the field was 627 (S=314).3. Mean batching success in the laboratory was 60–100% at 2–18°C. Cumulative hatch in individual batches could be described by asymmetrically sigmoid curves. The length of the hatching period was positively correlated with the length of the incubation period.4. The incubation period of I', intricata normally consists of an initial dormancy followed by subsequent development. The length of embryonic development (Y. days) is strongly inversely temperature (T, °C) dependent and can be described by the equation: image 5. The length of dormancy is dependent on oviposition dale, and is shorter the later that the eggs are laid. It also depends on temperature during incubation and is increased by rising temperatures. As a consequence, larvae hatch more or less synchronously in the field during autumn. Total incubation period, i.e. dormancy and actual development, exhibits a complex dependence on both incubation temperature and oviposition date. Under constant laboratory temperatures, a late sharp fall in temperature can terminate dormancy earlier.6. Photoperiod probably induces dormancy and may already act on the last larval instars of the parent generation. The dormancy of P. intricata is classified as an oligopause (Müller. 1970, 1976).7. In the laboratory. P. intricata larvae from early batches with long dormancy grew faster than larvae from late batches with direct development. Final size was the same in both cases. This acted against the population synchrony induced through egg dormancy. Benthos samples suggest the same in the field.8. Avoidance of the suboptimal summer conditions in streams by the cold stenothermous P. intricata is suggested to partly explain the success of the species, which contributes more to total emergence biomass than do other Plecoptera in the Breitenbach.