Nutrient enrichment does not affect diet selection by a tropical shredder species in a mesocosm experiment

The decomposition of plant litter is a fundamental ecological process in small forest streams. Litter mostly controlled by characteristics and environmental conditions, with shredders playing critical role. aim this study was to evaluate the effect leaf species (Maprounea guianensis Inga laurina, which have contrasting physical chemical characteristics) water nutrient enrichment (three levels) on fungal biomass, subsequent preference consumption Phylloicus sp. (a typical shredder tropical streams). Maprounea leaves had lower lignin nitrogen (N) concentrations, higher polyphenols concentration lignin:N ratio than I. laurina leaves. Phosphorus concentrations were for both incubated at highest level. Fungal biomass M. leaves, but it did not differ among levels. Relative rates when fed due guianensis. Consumption those exposed low levels moderate Feeding preferences affected or carbon quality makes less attractive substrate microbial decomposers palatable resource shredders. Changes input may be more important short-term stream performance ecosystem functioning.