Cross-system transfer of fatty acids from aquatic insects supports terrestrial insectivore condition and reproductive success.

ABSTRACT: Cross-system fluxes of aquatic insects rich in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 LC-PUFAs), specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may subsidise insectivorous vertebrates that are suffering due to terrestrial insect declines. The benefits of high ω-3 LC-PUFA diets, such as improved growth and immunocompetence, have previously been demonstrated for riparian insectivores. Understanding the potential for aquatic insects to benefit a range of species is necessary for informing land management practices. Using the spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata), a habitat-generalist, insectivorous bird as a model, we tested how blood plasma ω-3 LC-PUFA concentrations and the ratio of ω-6:ω-3 fatty acids were related to the body condition of 14 adults a

SUBMITTER: Eden CF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12612012 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature