Effects of stream permanence on stonefly (Insecta, Plecoptera) community structure at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA

Abstract

Stoneflies (Plecoptera) are often associated with inhabiting cold perennial streams, but many species also inhabit intermittent streams that experience reduced or lack of flow during summer and autumn. In this study, the influence of stream permanence on stonefly assemblage composition and spatial distribution at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA, was addressed, based on a 14 month sampling regime from the fullest range of stream sizes and habitable flow regions available. Adult stoneflies were collected monthly from 43 sites at the Park plus an additional two sites at the near-adjacent Western Kentucky University Green River Preserve. Collections were done from December 2018–November 2019 using a standard timed protocol with beating sheets for adults and once in December 2019–January 2020 for larvae. Stream sites were assigned one of five category types: perennial spring runs, perennial spring seeps, upland perennial streams, perennial riverine and summer dry runs. In total, 34 species were collected. The most prominent difference in stonefly community structure was between spring runs, spring seeps and summer dry streams vs. upland perennial streams. Approximately 88% of species collected had univoltine-fast life cycles and 79% likely had an extended period of egg or larval diapause. Due to the predominance of small upland perennial and summer dry streams, species commonly typically found in larger lotic systems are fundamentally filtered out of the region due to the lack of available habitats. Species able to survive in intermittent habitats do so by life history adaptations including to survive desiccation as larvae or eggs.

Insects associated to ephemeral pools in Huentelauquén (29ºS Coquimbo Region, Chile)

“…In all studied pools a high number of Plecoptera (stoneflies) with this sampling method was observed. Although little is known about the biology of these groups in Chile, the aquatic nymphs of these species are dominant components in trophic networks of temperate freshwater ecosystems (Stewart, 2009) and in some cases both their larvae and eggs can survive desiccation as survival strategy in habitats with intermittent conditions (McRoberts and Grubbs, 2021).…”

Richness and Elevation Patterns of a Stonefly (Insecta, Plecoptera) Community of a Southern Appalachian Mountains Watershed, USA

“…We assess the relationship of the Mount Mitchell fauna to 11 eastern Nearctic assemblages. We amplified the presence-absence CSV data file from DeWalt and Snyder [81] (p. 73) with [82] (Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee) [83], (Talladega Mountains, Alabama) [84], (Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky), and this study (Supplementary Table S1). The data list by Parker et al [82] was amended with Soyedina parkeri [85] in lieu of Soyedina, i.e., "new species" [82], and Zapada fumosa [86].…”

“…Intensive and thoughtful faunistic studies, especially within protected landscapes, have the capacity to address specific ecological questions. There are several recent examples that have addressed questions regarding Nearctic stonefly communities, including altitudinal zonation patterns [83], dispersal capacity [87], habitat suitability [88], and streamflow duration [84,89].…”