Preference of larvae of Enallagma cyathigerum (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) for habitats of varying structural complexity

Abstract

Abstract. In macrophyte-rich lentic ecosystems, higher numbers of damselfly larvae occur in areas where there is structurally complex vegetation than in those where the plant architecture is relatively simple. Biotic interactions rather than morphological constraints are considered to underlie this pattern. We investigated whether the preference of the larvae of the damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum for a particular habitat was retained in absence of prey, predators and/or conspecifics. A series of laboratory choice experiments was conducted in which combinations of sediment and artificial plants differing in structural complexity were offered simultaneously to the larvae. Larvae preferred patches with structurally complex vegetation over patches with simply structured vegetation or lacking vegetation. Patches with simply structured vegetation were preferred over those with bare sediment, but the number of larvae showing a clear choice, which is regarded as an indication of the strength of the preference for a particular habitat, was relatively low compared to the number of individuals responding when complex vegetation was present. Based on the results presented, we conclude that the preference of E. cyathigerum larvae for structurally complex vegetation is independent of the presence of predators, prey or competitors. This suggests that this behaviour of the larvae is either learned or an innate response.

Diversity and distribution of Odonata (Insecta) larvae in a subtropical lagoon with different land uses in Veracruz, Mexico

“…This is the result of finding almost half of the Odonata species recorded in LMM using a variety of available aquatic plants to lay their eggs within the stems and leaves depending on the diversity and abundance of these substrates. Plant-dependent odonate species are a cohesive functional group requiring aquatic vegetation to complete their life cycle (Guillermo-Ferreira & Del-Claro, 2011;Verdonschot & Peeters, 2012). Differences in the number of Odonata species that are highly dependent on the availability of aquatic vegetation have led some authors to suggest that the damselflies assemblage could be used itself as a good indicator of the state of conservation of plant freshwater system integrity because they are obligate endophytic ovipositors (Butler & de Maynadier, 2008).…”

Weak effects on growth and cannibalism under fluctuating temperatures in damselfly larvae

“…Some aquatic organisms might be able to shift their distribution to colder layers. However, most damselfly larvae are categorized as climbers spending more time on macrophytes rather than moving around in open water 79,80 .…”

Biological control of mosquitoes with odonates: A case study in Guyana

“…Zygoptera are lying and wait for predators (Sánchez-Herrera and Ware 2012) that spend their time on substrate. They prefer complex vegetation over simple vegetation (Verdonschot and Peeters 2012), which means they spend more time in the surface compartments. The surface is where pupae hover until it is time to molt into the adult mosquito, making them more accessible.…”