Original paper
Comparison of the culturable bacterial community in the midgut of larval Simulium ornatum MEIGEN (Complex) (Simuliidae: Diptera) with that of the surrounding microhabitat
Taylor, M. R.; Moss, S. T.; Ladle, M.
Archiv für Hydrobiologie Volume 138 Number 1 (1996), p. 33 - 44
23 references
published: Nov 29, 1996
DOI: 10.1127/archiv-hydrobiol/138/1996/33
ArtNo. ESP141013801002, Price: 29.00 €
Abstract
The bacterial community within the midguts of larval Simulium ornatum from a chalk stream in southern England was investigated using classical isolation and characterization techniques, and compared with the planktonic and epiphytic bacterial communities of the surrounding microhabitat. Samples were taken at monthly intervals from February to October. The structure of the bacterial community in the midgut was found to be significantly different from that of the surrounding microhabitat. The observed differences in the bacterial communities may be due to either selective ingestion of bacteria by larvae, or, more likely, selective digestion. The importance of these findings is discussed in relation to the interactions between bacteria and aquatic invertebrates.
Keywords
chalk stream • midgut • larvae • bacteria • planktonic • England