Predation selectivity enclosure experiments

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Method synopsis

Controlled predation experiments in field or laboratory enclosures with known numbers of alternative prey species to test hypotheses about selective predation and measure predation rates. Compares prey disappearance between predator and control treatments.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 3 papers using this protocol.

Procedure as described in the canonical source

Steps below were extracted from the paper that introduces this protocol — Methods in Stream Ecology (2006). Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Set up predation experiment enclosures
   Each set of replicates should include six enclosures (single prey trials), two each per three prey species containing 15-20 prey and either one predatory stonefly (predator treatment) or no stonefly (control). Use rectangular enclosures with upstream and downstream ends covered with mesh (~800-μm openings) or circular chambers (10-15 cm diameter). Cover floor with standardized number of cobbles ranging 5-15 cm diameter with same size distribution in each enclosure.
   Quantities: 6 enclosures per replicate set, 15-20 prey per enclosure, 1 predator per treatment enclosure, cobbles 5-15 cm diameterDuration: 24 hours feeding trialConditions: Rectangular chambers in shallow (<10cm) moderately flowing (15-20 cm/s) riffles, or laboratory with cool temperatures (10-15°C)
   Equipment: enclosures, mesh screens, cobbles, plexiglass chambers
2. Functional response predation trials
   Conduct overnight or 24-hr predation trials using same protocol as basic predation experiments but varying prey density (e.g., 5, 10, 15, and 20 prey per chamber) with one stonefly predator, and same prey densities with no predators as controls. Use circular chambers which provide more accurate estimates of mortality due to predation.
   Quantities: Multiple prey densities (5, 10, 15, 20 prey), 1 predator per treatment chamber, control chambers with same prey densitiesDuration: Overnight or 24 hoursConditions: Cool temperatures (10-15°C), good oxygenation essential for stonefly foraging
   Equipment: circular chambers, natural algal-covered substrata

Typical Equipment

• enclosures
• mesh screens
• plexiglass chambers
• cobbles

Output Measurements

• prey mortality rates
• predation selectivity
• instantaneous mortality rates

Papers Using This Protocol (3)

Species Studied With This Protocol

Places Where Used