Life history of Capnia bifrons (Newman, 1838) (Plecoptera: Capniidae) in a small Apennine creek, NW Italy

Abstract

The biology of stoneflies from Apennine mountain system is little known. In the present study, we provide information on the life cycle, secondary production, nymphal feeding and flight period of Capnia bifrons (Newman, 1838) in the Albedosa creek (NW Italy). At this study site, the species has a univoltine life cycle, with a relatively short and fast nymphal development period and high annual secondary production. Nymphs feed mainly on detritus but incorporate also other food items in their diet, such as coarse particulate organic matter and fungi. Ontogenetic shift from collector-gatherer to shredder habits is detected. Emergence is in February-April, slightly late compared to northern populations.