Feeding Territoriality in Aquatic Insects: Cost-Benefit Models and Experimental Tests

摘要: Two points are evident from a review of the literature describing feeding territoriality in aquatic insects. First, is much more common this group than was previously recognized. Second, most examples involve species that have small foraging areas and harvest rapidly renewing resources, such as filterable particles attached microalgae. To interpret these patterns, I discuss how net benefits territorial defense vary function several components food availability. I present results recent laboratory field experiments testing cost-benefit models predict patterns territory size frequency. Feeding-territory grazing caddisfly larvae increases with resident's body inversely related to abundance, which agrees predictions optimal size. kinds stream insects rely on items delivered by water currents ( i.e. , surface-feeding striders filter-feeding larval black flies) respond abundance reducing their allocation time defense.In flies, complex interactions between competitor density also influence amount spent defending territory. I consider connections behavior interspecific competition. The distribution both competitors may depend part upon costs along resource gradients. tendency some grazers settle preferentially near conspecifics occur because animals living groups exclude efficiently isolated individuals, suggests simple tests models. I conclude summarizing strengths weaknesses study systems, source new broader theories territoriality, ground for those theories. An important strength consumer-resource systems ability conduct realistic experimental studies examining causes consequences territoriality. One weakness lack information time-energy budgets acquisition deserves high priority, since it will permit rigorous evaluate adaptive significance behavior.