Efficiency of filter feeding of black fly larvae (Diptera: Simuliidae)

Abstract

Larvae of nine species of black flies were exposed to synthetic particles in the laboratory. Sizes and concentrations of particles were chosen to simulate natural conditions. Smaller particles (diameter 5–10 μm) were offered at a rate of 50–100/cephalic fan area per second, and larger ones (diameter approximately 150 μm) at 0.3–1.0/cephalic fan area per second. Experiments were conducted at water velocities of 30, 50, and 70 cm/s.In all the laboratory experiments, only a small percentage of the particles passing through an area equal to that of the cephalic fans of a single larva were ingested. Particles larger than the spacing between the fan rays were ingested more efficiently than smaller ones. At 50 cm/s, the mean percentage ingested for all species was 1.6% (0.14–8.3%) of particles 150 μm in diameter and 0.094% (0.0026–0.76%) of particles 5–10 μm in diameter. The percentage of material ingested decreased at higher concentrations and water velocities. There were significant differences among the species.Experiments were done with one of the species in the field with similar results.Based on this work, an individual black fly larva in nature probably ingests 1–10% by weight of the material passing through its cephalic fans.