Zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas), attachment to Odonata larvae

TitleZebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas), attachment to Odonata larvae
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsMcCauley S.J, Wehrly K.E
JournalOdonatologica
Volume36
Pagination63-69
KeywordsODONATA
Abstract

The attachment of zebra mussels to anisopteran larvae in a lake where the mussels have recently invaded was documented. Fifty-one larvae were collected and the majority (63%) had been colonized by one or more zebra mussels. Some dragonfly larvae were heavily infested, carrying up to 8 zebra mussels and more than their own mass in attached zebra mussels. Potential ramifications of zebra mussel attachment on larval dragonflies are discussed and a framework for future research on these effects is suggested.