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COMPETITION FOR ATTACHMENT SITES BETWEEN LARVAE OF SIMULIIDAE (DIPTERA)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

J. Harding
Affiliation:
Research Unit on Vector Pathology, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland A1C 5S7
M. H. Colbo
Affiliation:
Research Unit on Vector Pathology, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland A1C 5S7

Extract

Many factors have been examined that affect simuliid larval distribution in a stream but little has been published on interspecific competition influencing their distribution. Certain black fly species distribute themselves over a suitable substrate in a regular manner with an open space around each larva. The individuals of these species will strike at others entering within this space resulting in the departure of one or other of the combatants. This establishes a regular pattern of spaced larvae of a certain density, which may be influenced by current velocity, over areas of suitable substrate (Colbo 1979). However, larvae of other species clump without apparent spacing and less readily move when contacted.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1981

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References

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