Die Drift und ihre ökologische Bedeutung

With one-factor experiments, the drift of larvae ofEcdyonurus venosus has been analysed in a stream model. The distances travelled by drifting animals as a function of water velocity have been determined, as well as some drift rhythms. Drift-inducing factors are principally scarecity of food (lack of periphyton) and movement of substrate. Induction of drift by small water velocities can be caused by insufficient oxygen supply. The typical drift minimum during the final larval instar is said to be caused by a pseudo-pupal stage. After temperature shocks of ±5°C respectively, the animals acclimate within 2 days. An increase in temperature induces a decrease in drift reates and vice versa. Sex, predation and competition do not influence drift. The mean flight range of the imagoes (flight-mill) is 2,794 m, the maximum upstream movement of the larvae 140 m/24 h.