The energy content of dragonflies (Odonata) in relation to predation by falcons
Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) are important prey for many small falcons, and the recent expansion of the breeding range of the Hobby into eastern England has been associated with an increased availability of dragonfly prey to juveniles. We have therefore measured the energy content and elemental composition of a range of common British dragonflies. Carbon and nitrogen contents were typical of aquatic invertebrates and did not vary with dragonfly size, whereas ash content was significantly reduced in larger species. The mean energy content of dragonfly tissue was 24.6 kJ/g (dry mass) and showed no significant variation between species. The energy content of an individual dragonfly ranged from 0.8 to 9.4 kJ for the species examined in this study. Data on the energy requirements of free-living falcons suggest that a juvenile Hobby in late summer could meet its daily energy requirement by capturing between 75 and 90 Migrant Hawker or 200 to 250 Common Darter dragonflies each day.
Details
Publication status:
Published
Author(s):
Authors: Clarke, A. ORCID record for A. Clarke, Prince, P.A., Clarke, R.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're okay with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead more
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.