The food of the damselfly larvae of a temporary tropical pond (Zygoptera)

A study of the food of the damselfly larvae of a temporary tropical pond reveals that the dietary ingredients become more diversified with the size of the larvae. In general, it is difficult to speak of a clear food preference in terms of particle size. The kind of prey captured by the larvae is only partly determined by the size of the larvae and of the prey. The ease in capturing and eating a prey item may result in a preference for smaller prey (chydorid Cladocera) when apparently more attractive bigger prey (midge larvae) are also available.