HR: 1330h
AN: NB33C-14    [Abstracts]
TI: Macroinvertebrate Colonization of Leaf Litter Along a Wetland Habitat Gradient
AU: * Kershner, M W
EM: mkershne@kent.edu
AF: Kent State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Kent, OH 44240 United States
AU: Murdock, J H
AF: Kent State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Kent, OH 44240 United States
AB: Seasonal inputs of allochthonous material represent an important resource in aquatic systems and contribute to variability in invertebrate assemblages. Within wetlands, there are typically strong aquatic to terrestrial gradients associated with decomposition of terrestrially derived plant matter, which may influence patterns of invertebrate abundance and species composition. In this study, we examined overwinter (November-April 2003) patterns of leaf decomposition and associated macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity using leaf packs for two tree species (Quercus rubra and Liriodendron tulipifera). Leaf packs were placed along habitat transects spanning aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial habitats in a wetland. For both leaf species, decomposition rates were highest in aquatic habitats, but did not differ between semi-aquatic and terrestrial habitats. However, invertebrate abundance and diversity were significantly higher (P < 0.5) in semi-aquatic leaf packs than in aquatic or terrestrial leaf packs. Despite strong habitat effects, leaf species did not have a significant impact on patterns of invertebrate colonization. Overall, invertebrate abundance and diversity differed greatly along the aquatic-terrestrial transition, documenting the importance of habitat transition zones in wetland systems.
DE: 1890 Wetlands
SC: North American Benthological Society [NB]
MN: 2005 Joint Assembly