Diets of some larval Leptoceridae (Trichoptera) in south-eastern Australia

Abstract

Diets of 18 species of larval Leptoceridae were examined by gut analysis supplemented by observations in the field and laboratory. Food items were leaves of terrestrial origin, aquatic macrophytes, filamentous algae, animal matter, wood and fine detritus. The majority of species were large-particle detritivores (some with a tendency to herbivory), one species was predatory, and one ate fine detritus. Little selectivity was shown; availability of food items was generally more important in influencing the diet. Possible selectivity for freshly fallen green leaves of terrestrial origin was seen in many species and for wood in some species of Triplectides. Larvae were found to be feeding on whatever they were collected from, which had implications for the results of this study because this factor was not taken into consideration during collection. Feeding on the surface of the water was noticed in four species, and two of those may have utilized the surface drift as a food source.