Using functional responses to assess predator hatching phenology implications for pioneering prey in arid temporary pools

The present study assessed the functional responses of two predatory ephemeral pond specialist copepods, Lovenula raynerae and Paradiaptomus lamellatus towards their natural prey Daphnia longispina. Lovenula raynerae exhibited an elevated overall functional response compared with that of P. lamellatus. In addition, L. raynerae exhibited a Type II functional response whereas a weak trend towards a Type III response was found for P. lamellatus. Differences in predator hatching phenology may, therefore, have implications for daphniid population persistence during a pond's hydroperiod. This is pertinent in that predation pressure in the early hydroperiod phase of ephemeral ponds is largely provided by hatching predatory copepods.