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Feeding Ecology of Chironomus Larvae (insecta: Diptera) Collected from Different Habitat of Dhaka, Bangladesh

M. Niamul Naser
Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

Dulon Roy
Department of Zoology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Chironomid larvae are frequently available in the muddy habitats of Curzon Hall campus of University of Dhaka. The larvae of single species of Chironomus (Insecta: Diptera) were collected from the drains and pond of the campus. Algae, fungi, diatoms, protozoan’s, rotifers, animal parts (crustacean appendages, ostracodan shell, insect appendages), and detritus were found as the main food items of the larvae. Gut content analysis showed a change in their feeding habits with seasons. The feeding intensity was maximum in spring just after winter. The feeding activity was lowest in winter. The variation in the diet may suggest that these groups showed a low degree of selectivity, having more generalist food selection habit.

Keywords: Chironomid larvae, Food habits, Gut contents, Ecology, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Location: Dhaka University, Bangladesh.

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Pest Management

Commodity: Feed, Insects

Objectives:

To identify the natural food habits of Chironomid larvae from two different habitat in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Methodology:

The chironomid larvae were collected from two sites - one from the pond in front of the Department of Zoology at Curzon-Hall campus and another from the drainage system of Shahaidullah Hall, University of Dhaka. An Ekman Bottom dredger sampler was used to collect the bottom mud. Chironomid larvae were sieved by means of Surber net (900 cm2 area and 35 mm mesh size) during the month of February(summer), May (autumn), August (winter), and November (spring) of 2008. The sampled larvae were preserved in 70% alcohol. The identification was made up to generic level after Khan et al. (1997). Gut content analysis was based on the observations of the gut contents of previously slide mounted specimens. The stomachs of Chironomid larvae were dissected and the contents of each gut were observed under a compound microscope (Olympus, Japan, 400x). All food items were identified. Point method: An index of fullness of the gut was recorded by the point method. Irrespective of the size of gut of Chironomus , point was given score 0 for empty, 1 for ¼ full, 2 for ½ full, 3 for ¾ full, 4 for full gut. Number method: The total number of individuals of each food items found in the gut of Chironomus was counted and expressed as the percentage of the total number of organisms found in all Chironomid larvae gut examined.

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Zool. 40(1): 129-133, 2012

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

From the above study it was found that most species had generalist and opportunistic feeding habit, i.e. feeding on what was available at that moment. Studying the diet of chironomid larvae in these habitats indicated that the composition of gut contents changed according to the type of microhabitat where the larvae were found. The occurrence of some genera in the gut contents of these chironomids was due to their availability in the habitat and can also be related to prey size and the predator’s development stage.

Knowledge Management: Journal