Effects of fish on feeding and growth of larval Ischnura verticalis (Coenagrionidae: Odonata)

Abstract

We used laboratory studies to investigate how fish affected a larval zygopteran's activity, ability to locate a food patch, and growth. Larval Ischnura verticalis spent less time at food patches in the presence of fish (Lepomis gibbosus) when food patches were permanent, but when food patches were ephemeral, fish did not have a significant effect. In addition, fish had no effect on larval feeding on mobile prey (Daphnia magna), nor did fish have any effect on growth of larvae supplied with ephemeral prey patches.