S. Mahunka szerk.: Folia Entomologica Hungarica 31/2. (Budapest, 1978)
FOLIA ENTOMOLOGICA HUNGARICA ROVARTANI KÖZLEMÉNYEK (SERIES NOVA) p. 19-24 1978 XXXI. 2 Contribution to the knowledge of the feeding habits of some water boatmen: Sigara spp. (Heteroptera: Corixidae) By G. BAKONYI (Received November 17, 1977) Abstract: Investigations on the feeding habits of the most common Corixid species in Hungary. Data on the rate and frequency of several types of food of Sigara striata and S. falleni and on the temporary variability of the same of S. lateralis are given. The omnivorous character of the species is in harmony with their way of life. Numerous papers, have been published on the feeding of the water boatmen (Corixidae). Some papers discuss the feeding habits without any reference to the source of information (Table 1), while in others, the description of the experiments and the circumstances are also given (Table 2). On the basis of the two tables it is evident that there is quite a confusion on generic or family level as regards feeding habits. HUNGERFORD (1919) in hisi classical work described Corixids as feeding on detritus and algae, while JANSSON and SCUDDER (1972), on the basis of their rearing experiments, obtain the result: "it becomes clear that the Corixidae should no longer be regarded as mainly algae and detritus feeders". Disregarding the insufficiency of identification, to see clearly in this question is in many cases troubled by the fact that generalizations are made on generic or family level after investigating only a few species. Nevertheless, there are considerable differences in the way of life of different genera as Micronecta - Corixa - Arctocorisa (SOÓS, 19 63). The same is proved by JANSSON (1969) who reared several species of the subfamilies Micronectinae, Cymatiinae and Corixiinae on Enchytreus while the food was not adequate for the species of the genus Hesperocorixa . Considering the known data, SZABÓ' s statement (1950) seems rightful ". . . it can be clearly stated that we must answer the question of their feeding biology regarding individual species". The statement seems especially justified, because some authors (e.g. KEUNEN 1939, KOSLUCHER - MINSHALL, 1973) made experiments on not precisely identified animals. In the following the feeding habits of the three common Hungarian species of water boatmen are investigated without entering into detailed analysis of the components of their food.
