Benthic predators and zooplanktonic prey: predation by Crangonyx shoemakeri (Crustacea; Amphipoda) on Daphnia obtusa (Crustacea; Cladocera)

Amphipods and cladocerans are common inhabitants of seasonal ponds throughout North America. Although amphipods are usually considered to be benthic detritivores, Crangonyx shoemakeri was found to capture and consume mosquito larvae and Daphnia obtusa. The rate of capture of Daphnia was independent of the amount of decomposing leaf matter available. However, this rate was dependent on prey density and the presence of light, indicating that these amphipods are visual predators.