Fish predation on Notonecta (Hemiptera): relationship between prey risk and habitat utilization

Abstract

Prey risk was examined in the laboratory to compare the ability of 6 Notonecta species to coexist with insectivorous fishes (Lepomis cyanellus, L. gibbosus). Because of their smaller size, lighter color, greater tendency to remain motionless in the presence of the predator, greater ability to avoid capture when attacked, and predicted lower profitability as prey, N. lunata and N. petrunkevitchi were estimated to have the lowest prey risk and greatest chance of coexisting with insectivorous fishes in nature. The 2 largest notonectids, N. irrorata and N. insulata, both highly melanistic and rapidly discovered by foraging sunfishes, were judged to be the most susceptible to predation by large fishes. The presence of vegetation as a potential refuge tended to decrease prey risk but did not significantly alter the relative risk among the prey species. Finally, the relative prey risk measured in the laboratory was consistent with the general distribution of these species in relation to fishes in local habitats. We suggest that fish predation is an important determinant of Notonecta habitat utilization patterns.