The Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis Macrochirus) Affects Successful Insect Colonization Through Predation and Competition
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Authors
Tonietto, Rebecca
Issue Date
2005
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The effects of the bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) on insect colonization
trends were investigated regarding insect abundance and genus richness in artificial
ponds.
Four treatments were established in plastic cattle tanks equipped with a freefloating
mesh cage: (1) Additional nutrients, no fish; (2) Normal nutrient level, no fish;
(3) Normal nutrient level, one bluegill confined to a cage; (4) Normal nutrient level, one
free-swimming bluegill. Tanks were open to colonization by insects.
We found significant differences in insect community composition between ponds
with and without bluegill for both experimental and natural ponds.
Specifically, artificial and natural ponds with bluegill either free-swimming
confined to a cage, had significantly reduced insect taxon richness and abundance.
Therefore L. macrochirus structures the insect community through its role as both
predator and competitor.
Description
iv, 32 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.