The stoneflies (Insecta, Plecoptera) of the Talladega Mountain region, Alabama, USA: distribution, elevation, endemism, and rarity patterns

Abstract

BackgroundThe Talladega Mountain region of eastern Alabama is the southernmost outlier of the ancient Appalachian Mountains, including the highest peaks and ranges in the state. Collections of stoneflies (Plecoptera) previously here have been sporadic yet has led to several new species descriptions in modern times (James 1974, James 1976, Stark and Szczytko 1976, Kondratieff and Kirchner 1996, Szczytko and Kondratieff 2015) and expanded our understanding of southeastern US stoneflies. During the period 2003–2012 we conducted an intensive inventory of the stonefly fauna of the Talladega Mountain region. We collected across all months from 192 unique localities, covering a broad range of stream sizes and elevation gradients present in the region.New informationA total of 57 confirmed species across eight of the nine Nearctic families were collected as adults (Table 4), including four species described as new during the study period (Table 2). Leuctra crossi James, 1974 was easily the most common species collected. Median elevations per species ranged from 174 m (Clioperla clio (Newman, 1839)) to 410 m (Leuctra triloba Claassen, 1923 (Fig. 3). Dot distribution maps were included for all 57 species plus one for undetermined nymphs of Pteronarcys Newman, 1838 (Figs. 4–19). As many as seven species may be endemic to the region but sampling efforts northeastward into Georgia, plus additional focused sampling in Alabama and a comprehensive examination of all available material held in museums and personal collections, are needed for confirmation.

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

“…Adults of most species were present for less than three months (Supplementary Table S3), yet there were three collected from late spring through autumn (L. ferruginea, L. truncata, and A. wui). Extended adult presence of L. ferruginea has been documented previously [83,95]. Eighteen species were present in both spring and summer, followed by only four collected in summer and autumn.…”

“…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].…”

Wet collections accession: a workflow based on a large stonefly (Insecta, Plecoptera) donation

“…Isoperla zuelligi Szczytko & Kondratieff, 2015. This species was originally described from North Carolina (Szczytko and Kondratieff 2015) and was recently reported by Grubbs and Sheldon (2018) from several locations in Alabama. The Szczytko collection yielded one female specimen from New Hampshire, a tremendous range extension.…”

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

“…Adults were collected from late March through May (Table 4 ). Leuctra alta is a mid-western and southern US Appalachian species ( Grubbs 2005 , Grubbs and Sheldon 2018 , DeWalt et al 2020 ). Grubbs et al (2006) reported a univoltine-fast life cycle for a L. alta - L. sibleyi mix from both a spring run and a small intermittent stream in the Mammoth Cave region.…”