Nutrient enrichment does not affect diet selection by a tropical shredder species in a mesocosm experiment

Abstract

The decomposition of plant litter is a fundamental ecological process in small forest streams. Litter decomposition is mostly controlled by litter characteristics and environmental conditions, with shredders playing a critical role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of leaf species (Maprounea guianensis and Inga laurina, which have contrasting physical and chemical characteristics) and water nutrient enrichment (three levels) on leaf litter chemical characteristics and fungal biomass, and subsequent litter preference and consumption by Phylloicus sp. (a typical shredder in tropical streams). Maprounea guianensis leaves had lower lignin and nitrogen (N) concentrations, higher polyphenols concentration and lower lignin:N ratio than I. laurina leaves. Phosphorus concentrations were higher for both leaf species incubated at the highest water nutrient level. Fungal biomass was higher on M. guianensis than on I. laurina leaves, but it did not differ among nutrient levels. Relative consumption rates were higher when shredders fed on M. guianensis than on I. laurina leaves, due to the lower lignin:N ratio and higher fungal biomass of M. guianensis. Consumption rates on M. guianensis leaves were higher for those exposed to low water nutrient levels than for those exposed to moderate water nutrient levels. Feeding preferences by shredders were not affected by leaf species or nutrient level. The low carbon quality on I. laurina leaves makes it a less attractive substrate for microbial decomposers and a less palatable resource for shredders. Changes in litter input characteristics may be more important than short-term nutrient enrichment of stream water on shredder performance and ecosystem functioning.