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The larval dragonfly species Aeshna palmata and the larval diving beetle species Acilius sp. are intermediate predators in subalpine pond system food webs that act as both predator and prey. Interactions between the two have not been explored. This study uses comparative feeding trials to discover their interactions with each other through competition or anti-predator behavior. It was found that the Aeshna palmata consumed a significant amount of Copepods, and Chironomids, while the Acilius sp. consumed significant amounts of all three prey (Copepods, Chironomids, and Chaobrids). There was no interaction found between the intermediate predators. This has important implications for the food web, such as guild significance and prey control.
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