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† Plank, C.A.1*, Best, R.J.2, Stachowicz, J.J.2
HABITAT AND FEEDING PREFERENCE OF AMPITHOE LACERTOSA AND IDOTEA RESECATA IN BODEGA HARBOR, CA
1 - Bodega Marine Laboratory, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, MI 2 - Bodega Marine Laboratory, University of California Davis

Small crustacean grazers can have a positive effect on seagrass biomass by consuming algae, which reduces shading.  Different grazer species may have unique effects on seagrass biomass.  In this study we examined the extent to which feeding choice and/or habitat preference influence the distribution of the amphipod Ampithoe lacertosa and the isopod Idotea resecata in the eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds of Bodega Harbor, California.  Based on their field distribution, we hypothesized that Ampithoe would prefer to live on Ulva and that Idotea would prefer to live on Zostera.  Additionally, we hypothesized that both grazer species would prefer to feed on their respective host plants. When offered food treatments of Ulva sp., Zostera marina, or both, Ampithoe preferred to feed on Ulva and Idotea consumed some of each food type.  Over the course of a 33 day growth trial with food treatments of Ulva, Zostera, both, or none (control), both species grew more on diets containing Ulva.  In a 2 day habitat trial using mimics, both species preferred the Zostera mimic over the Ulva mimic.  We concluded that Ampithoe host plant choice may be determined by both refuge value and nutritional value, whereas habitat value may be a more important factor than food value in determining host plant choice for Idotea.