Feeding activity and availability of food in Collembola

Abstract

From a study o f the percentages of gut contents in populations of the collembolan species Orchesella cincta (Linné), it appeared that empty guts are present frequently and varyingly during the year. Laboratory experiments indicated the relation of the percentages of gut contents to temperature and moulting. With this standard measure it was tried to gain insight into the feeding conditions of O. cincta in their natural habitats. Food shortage could be demonstrated, after long periods of drought. Subsequent rainfall induced a high simultaneous feeding activity. It was stated that this synchronization effect, leading to simultaneous reproduction, has an important value for the restoration of the population density after unfavourable periods.