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TABS Species Account TN00073 

TN00073    SHARPHEAD DARTER    ETHEOSTOMA ACUTICEPS

Tennessee Animal Biogeographic System TABS

version 12/2002


Taxonomy
Status
Distribution
Habitat Associations
Food Habits
Environmental Associations
Life History
Management Practices
References

Food Habits

TrophicReferences
CARNIVORETN5005

LifestageFood Item ConsumedPart of Food Item
GeneralEphemeropteraLarva stage
GeneralTrichopteraLarva stage
GeneralDipteraLarva stage
GeneralDipteraPupa stage
ImportantDipteraFruit/Seeds
ImportantDipteraLarva stage
GeneralInsectsLarva stage
GeneralAnimalsLarva stage
GeneralEphemeropteraLarva stage
GeneralDipteraLarva stage
GeneralTrichopteraLarva stage
GeneralSee Comments on Food HabitsSee Comments
ImportantInsectsLarva stage
ImportantAnimalsLarva stage
ImportantSee Comments on Food HabitsSee Comments
AdultInsectsLarva stage
AdultAnimalsLarva stage
AdultEphemeropteraLarva stage
AdultDipteraLarva stage
GeneralTrichopteraLarva stage
GeneralEphemeropteraLarva stage
GeneralDipteraLarva stage
GeneralDipteraPupa stage
ImportantDipteraLarva stage
ImportantDipteraAll life stages
AdultTrichopteraLarva stage

Comments on General Food Habits

This species feeds on benthic insects *780,791*, and is an efficient insect picker (very little apparent plant or inanimate matter is found in the gut of specimens) *809*. In one particular study, it was found that based on a numerical basis, they consumed 31% Simuliidae (black flies), 30% Baetidae (small mayflies), 26% Chironomidae (midges), and 11% Hydropsychidae (net-spinning caddisfly) from April to September *785*. The larger amount of Simuliidae is attributed to preference for fast water, its sharp snout, and terminal mouth position. Simuliidae larvae are inhabitants of the swiftest parts of a stream, where they cling tightly to rocks. The sharp snout of the darter is ideal for picking the small, tenacious larvae off of rocks *785*. Mayfly, midge and blackfly larvae dominate the diet in similar amounts. They also take caddisfly and other larvae *4205*.

References/LifestageReference Numbers
GeneralTN5005, 809, 780, 796, 791, 2208, 785, 4205
Adult809, 780, 796, 791, 2208, 785
ImportantTN5005, 809, 780, 796, 791


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