Body size,temperature, and seasonal differences in size structure influence the occurrence of cannibalism in larvae of the migratory dragonfly, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anax junius</Emphasis> |
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Authors: | Patrick W Crumrine |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biological Sciences & Program in Environmental Studies, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA;(2) Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA |
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Abstract: | The aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that body size and seasonal differences in temperature and size structure
influence cannibalism in larval dragonflies. In the first two experiments, larvae that were either similar or different in
size were paired to examine the potential for intra- and intercohort cannibalism. In the third experiment, size structure
of an assemblage of larvae and water temperature were manipulated to explore the seasonal dynamics of cannibalism. Cannibalism
was common between individuals that differed in body size by one or more instars. Cannibalism also occurred between individuals
similar in size but the rate varied across developmental stages. Results suggest that cannibalism may be most common when
water temperatures are warm and late-instar larvae are present at high densities. These results highlight the importance of
intra- and intercohort cannibalism as factors that can influence the population dynamics of generalist predators. |
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Keywords: | |
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