Lignin and fiber content of FPOM generated by the shredders Tipula abdominalis (Diptera: Tipulidae) and Tallaperla cornelia (Needham & Smith) (Plecoptera: Peltoperlidae)

Lignin and fiber content of FPOM generated by the shredders Tipula abdominalisand Tallaperla cornelia from 6 leaf types was compared with the initial content in wholeleaves. Results indicated that the lignin and fiber content in FPOM from T abdominaliswas little changed from that in whole leaves. In contrast, FPOM generated by T. corneliacontained an average 30 % less lignin and 50-67 % cellulose than did whole leaves. Thisdifference was attributed to selective feeding by T cornelia on cuticle, epidermal andmesophyll tissues, and to a more extensive maceration of leaf tissue.