Do all portable cases constructed by caddisfly larvae function in defense?

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Author
Ferry, EE; Hopkins, GR; Stokes, AN; Mohammadi, S; Brodie, ED; Gall, BGDate
2013Source Title
Journal of Insect SciencePublisher
Oxford AcademicUniversity of Melbourne Author/s
Hopkins, GarethAffiliation
School of BioSciencesMetadata
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Journal ArticleCitations
Ferry, E. E., Hopkins, G. R., Stokes, A. N., Mohammadi, S., Brodie, E. D. & Gall, B. G. (2013). Do all portable cases constructed by caddisfly larvae function in defense?. Journal of Insect Science, 13 (5), pp.5-5. https://doi.org/10.1673/031.013.0501.Access Status
Open AccessOpen Access at PMC
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3735051Abstract
The portable cases constructed by caddisfly larvae have been assumed to act as a mechanical defense against predatory attacks. However, previous studies have compared the survival of caddisflies with different cases, thereby precluding an analysis of the survival benefits of "weaker" case materials. The level of protection offered by caddisfly cases constructed with rock, stick, or leaf material, as well as a no-case control, was investigated against predatory dragonfly nymphs (Anax junius Drury (Anisoptera: Aeshnidae)). A valid supposition is that the cases made of stronger material are more effective at deterring predators. Yet, observations revealed that there was no difference in survival between the case types. All caddisflies with a case experienced high survival in comparison to caddisflies removed from their case. In addition, larvae with stick-cases experienced fewer attacks and captures by dragonflies. These results showed that the presence of a case, regardless of the material used in its construction, offers survival benefits when faced with predatory dragonfly nymphs.
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