Growth Rates of Chironomids Collected from an Ephemeral Floodplain Wetland

Abstract

Floodplains are dynamic wetlands that are constantly alternating between aquatic and terrestrial phases. To survive these conditions, aquatic invertebrates must have life history strategies allowing them to take advantage of inundation periods. One such strategy is growing rapidly and completing development before flood waters recede. We measured daily growth rates and development times of 7 chironomid species during April, June, and August using egg masses collected from the Sipsey River floodplain, west central Alabama, USA. Egg masses and resulting larvae were reared under ambient temperatures (18-27°C) and with a natural food source. All successfully reared chironomids were in the subfamily Chironominae. Mean growth rate was 0.28 d -1 suggesting a biomass turnover time of 3 days. Mean development time was 17 days. Temperature affected chironomid development time, with slower rates occurring at the lowest temperature. While many chironomid species appear capable of rapid growth in floodplains when temperatures are >18°C, completion of their life cycle seems likely only if inundation persists at least 2-3 weeks. Longer inundation periods are probably necessary for chironomids to complete their life cycle at colder temperatures in winter and early spring.

Unexpected patterns of chironomid larval size in an extreme environment: a highly glaciated, alpine stream

“…However, there are studies underlining the importance of nutrient availability or food quality on the benthic larval size and growth (Oliver, 1971;Mackey, 1977;Menzie, 1981;Davis et al, 2010). Tronstad et al (2010) report on growth rates of chironomid larvae in natural streams and their dependency on the available nutrients. Stanko-Mishic et al (1999) show the significance of habitat quality accompanying with nutrient availability and particle size for chironomid larval growth.…”

Detrital nutrient content determines growth rate and elemental composition of bromeliad‐dwelling insects

“…The growth rates of bromeliad‐dwelling Polypedilum sp. chironomids were in general much lower than those reported for chironomids in other aquatic ecosystems, such as temperate streams (Huryn & Wallace, ; Rosemond et al ., ; Ramirez & Pringle, ) and rivers (Tronstad, Tronstad & Benke, ). The family Chironomidae is cosmopolitan and displays diverse physiological and morphological adaptations to local environmental conditions, particularly in temporary habitats (Frouz, Matena & Ali, ).…”

Integrating intermittent streams into watershed assessments: applicability of an index of biotic integrity

“…Nonperennial streams drain large portions of watersheds in arid and wet climates (Tooth 2000, and they may be very sensitive to environmental impacts because they have a disproportionately large interface with terrestrial eco-systems, where most disturbances occur. Flow intermittence affects leaf-litter breakdown (e.g., Herbst andReice 1982, Datry et al 2011), nutrient cycling (e.g., Gómez et al 2012), and biomass production (e.g., Tronstad et al 2010). Therefore, degradation of nonperennial reaches may have disproportionate impacts on the health of the entire watershed.…”