The Ingestion Rates of Microarthropods in Pine Mor, Estimated with Radioactive Calcium

Ingestion rates, as influences by temperature, of the four layers of mor (L, F_1, F_2, H) by saprovores, and of saprovores by predators, were estimated in microcosm studies. Taxa used were Symphypleona, Poduromorpha, Entomobryomorpha, total Collembola, mature Oribatei, immature Oribatei, total Oribatei, total saprovores, and total predators. Several linear differential equations were used as models, in which the elimination rates were either held constant or temperature—and—body—sized—adjusted. Estimated ingestion rates for total saprovores, with temperature—and—body—sized—adjusted elimination rates, were 0.009. 0.022, 0.052, and 0.046 day(—1) at 6 degrees, 15 degrees, 25 degrees, and field temperatures, respectively, with 41%, 39%, 17%, and 3% of their food supply coming from the L, F_1, F_2, and H layers, respectively. Estimated ingestion rates for total predators, using one of two models and with temperature—and—body—sized—adjusted elimination rates, were 0.018, 0.023, 0.033, and 0.020 day(—1) at 6 degrees, 15 degrees, 25 degrees, and field temperatures, respectively.