Interactive effects of diet and thermal regime on growth of the midge Pseudochironomus richardsoni Malloch

摘要: 1. Larvae of Pseudochironomus richardsoni were reared to pupation in individual enclosures, one three thermal habitats a northern California stream. The average temperature range cold seeps was 15–21 °C, while the main channel ranged from 20 27 and side pools 18 33 °C. Diet consisted either diatoms or algal detritus. 2. Specific growth rate 0.057 0.267 day–1. developmental rates highest on diatom diet, increased with temperature. Regressions mean microsite also significantly altered by diet. Differences specific due diet are magnified at higher temperatures. 3. Pupae larger than those detritus. mass pupae detritus decreased increasing However, there no significant relationship between pupal for larvae diatoms. 4. combined effects food quality environment midge P. different independent Interactive may influence contribution certain aquatic (algal mats) invertebrate secondary production.