Feeding by Paracoenia and Ephydra (Diptera> Ephydridae) on the Microorganisms of Hot Springs
Brock ML, Wiegert RG, Brock TD. 1969. Feeding by Paracoenia and Ephydra (Diptera> Ephydridae) on the Microorganisms of Hot Springs. Ecology. 50(2):192-200
Adult and larval ephydrid flies feed upon the microorganisms which colonize the effluents of hot springs, whereas the dolichopodid flies associated with them are not consumers of microorganisms, but are predators. Field observations were confirmed by radioactive isotope experiments; differential extraction of radioactivity and assay of chlorophyll and proteins show that C14-labeled algae and bacteria are consumed and assimilated by the ephydrid insects. The natural history of these insects and their possible role in mineralization is also discussed.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Brock, M; Wiegert, Richard; Brock, Thomas
- Units
- YELL
- Keywords
- Algae, Animal Studies, Bacteria, brine flies, Chemistry, Chlorophyll, Ecology, Ephydra thermophila, Feeding, flies (Diptera), Food, Geysers, Habitats, Insects and Arachnids, Larvae, Microbiology, Paracoenia, Parasites, Population, Springs, Water Temperature