De-mentation behavioral interference assay

Knowledge graph centered on De-mentation behavioral interference assay with 31 nodes and 129 connections. Top connected: Marmota flaviventris, Intraguild predation and competition between larva, aquatic insects, Ambystoma, Trichoptera.

Method synopsis

Laboratory aquarium experiment using surgically modified (de-mented) dragonfly larvae to separate behavioral interference effects from direct predation effects on prey consumption.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 2 papers using this protocol.

Procedure as described in the canonical source

Steps below were extracted from the paper that introduces this protocol — Fitness and hormonal correlates of social and ecological stressors of female yellow-bellied marmots. (2016), Animal Behaviour. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Set up laboratory aquaria
   Use 38-L aquaria (bottom area 0.125 m²) under 12L:12D light regime at 15° ± 2°C. Density and structure of macrophyte beds designed to affect predator avoidance and spacing in damselflies. Cover bottom with 5 cm silica sand, root 100 stems (cut to 40 cm length) of Myriophyllum spicatum.
   Quantities: 36 aquaria total, 38-L capacity, 0.125 m² bottom area, 100 Myriophyllum stems cut to 40 cm, 5 cm silica sand depthDuration: 12L:12D photoperiod maintained throughoutConditions: 15° ± 2°C temperature, semi-natural macrophyte bed in tanks using washed vegetation from source pond
   Equipment: 38-L aquaria, silica sand, Myriophyllum spicatum stems, temperature control, lighting system
2. Prepare de-mented dragonflies
   Surgically remove distal lobes of menta (mouthparts) from dragonfly larvae using dissecting scissors at point of attachment with prementum. Excise menta after first anesthetizing larvae with CO₂ (one 3.3-g seltzer tablet per 200 mL pond water). Procedure easily extended from relaxed larva, cuts made with dissecting scissors.
   Quantities: De-mentation performed on specified numbers per treatmentDuration: 24 h recovery/observation period to ensure procedure effectivenessConditions: Larvae anesthetized with CO₂ before procedure, allowed to recover
   Equipment: dissecting scissors, CO₂ anesthetic (seltzer tablets), pond water
3. Stock laboratory treatments

Typical Equipment

• 38-L aquaria
• dissecting scissors
• CO₂ anesthetic (seltzer tablets)
• silica sand
• Myriophyllum spicatum stems

Output Measurements

• per-capita consumption rates
• damselfly survival
• behavioral interference effects

Papers Using This Protocol (2)

Species Studied With This Protocol