Influence of prey densities on prey selection in Anax imperator larvae (Odonata: Aeshnidae)
Abstract
Various relative and absolute densities of two prey species, chironomid larvae and adult Corixa were presented to individual larvae of Anax imperator. Although these larvae preferred chironomid larvae, the quantity of each prey species eaten depended mainly on the density of that prey species. No indication of switching was found. However only when their relative density was low at the beginning of an experiment, were items of that prey species eaten in proportion to their relative density.