Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

Fla. Entomol.

Keywords

Chironomidae; Midges; Populations; Productivity; Seasonal Changes; Streams; Physico-Chemical Parameters; Stream; Grave; Entomology

Abstract

Aquatic midge (Chironomidae: Diptera) larval densities, 24-h adult emergence, and larval and adult dry biomass were estimated monthly for two years in two tributaries of the Wekiva River, central Florida, along with selected physico-chemical water parameters. Twenty-four genera of midges were identified in Blackwater Creek and 26 in Rock Springs Run, with subfamily Chironominae dominating the midge fauna. Larval densities in the former stream ranged from 56 to 757 per m(2), with 24-h periods adult emergence ranging from 0 to 95 per m(2). The latter stream supported 138 to 1277 larvae per m(2) with 0 to 68 emergent adults per m(2) taken during 24-h periods. Mean larval biomass in Rock Springs Run (42 mg per m(2)) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in Blackwater Creek (27 mg per m(2)), while mean adult biomass in both habitats was essentially identical (1.1 mg per m(2)). Annual midge productivity estimates (1.12 g dry wt per m(2)) in each stream indicated that both were oligotrophic. Water volume was the overriding abiotic factor noted in both habitats, influencing many of the observed water parameters and altering the midge generic composition, especially in Blackwater Creek.

Journal Title

Florida Entomologist

Volume

79

Issue/Number

4

Publication Date

1-1-1996

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

531

Last Page

542

WOS Identifier

WOS:A1996WB98100008

ISSN

0015-4040

Download

Share

COinS