Shredders prefer soft and fungal-conditioned leaves, regardless of their initial chemical traits

ABSTRACT Through field and laboratory experiments we investigated the effects of leaf traits of two tree species and microbial conditioning on the abundance, biomass, and feeding preference of a typical macroinvertebrate shredder. In the field, we compared the association of Phylloicus (Calamoceratidae, Trichoptera) with two tree species commonly found in riparian zones, which are representative of high and low nutritional quality, respectively: Nectandra megapotamica and Chusquea tenella. In the laboratory, we investigated the feeding preference of Phylloicus using unconditioned leaves and leaves conditioned by aquatic fungi. The same tree species used in the field experiment were used in the laboratory. Initially, C. tenella leaves were proved to be more nutritious and softer, while N. megapotamica leaves were harder and more lignified. The shredders preferred conditioned leaf detritus of reduced toughness (field: C. tenella; laboratory: N. megapotamica, both conditioned for 14 days). These leaf traits seem to be crucial for the choice process of Phylloicus. After 14 days, N. megapotamica leaves showed a decreased toughness associated with the microbial conditioning, which explained its consumption rate by Phylloicus. In both field and laboratory experiments, we found evidence that Phylloicus is a selective feeding shredder, and that the leaf traits, especially leaf structure (e.g., leaf toughness and lignin content), determine its association and preferences.