Diel periodicity in density of Ephemeroptera nymphs on stream substrata and the relationship with drift and selected abiotic factors

Abstract

The diel periodicity in density of Ephemeroptera nymphs on an undisturbed stream bottom was documented by direct observation. The study was conducted in a second-order Rocky Mountain foothill stream in Alberta. Observations were made for 24-h periods, twice during a new moon and twice during a full moon; the times of the dark and light periods were noted. Nocturnal observations were made using a red light. The abundance of drifting nymphs, incident light, percent cloud cover in the sky, and water temperature were recorded to determine if they were related to the observed diel periodicity on top of the substratum. The taxonomic groups of Ephemeroptera nymphs examined were Cinygmula, Heptageniidae (Cinygmula and Epeorus), Baetis, Baetis–Ameletus, Ameletus, Drunella coloradensis Dodds, and total fauna (all groups including minor taxa). In response to the artificial light used for observations, total fauna, Cinygmula, and Baetis nymphs were not affected by the light, and the nymphs were not found to be negatively phototactic. Total fauna and Heptageniidae nymphs exhibited a diel periodicity between 24-h periods; the Baetis–Ameletus group also had a diel periodicity. Cinygmula, Baetis, and D. coloradensis nymphs did not exhibit a diel periodicity. Most taxonomic groups were at greater densities on the top of the substratum in the dark period than in the light period. For small and large size classes of nymphs examined, only the small Heptageniidae and Baetis–Ameletus nymphs showed a diel periodicity in density. Drift of the common groups of nymphs was aperiodic and not statistically correlated with the diel density of nymphs on the substratum. In general, incident light, percent cloud cover, and water temperature were not correlated with the diel density of the taxonomic groups on the top of the substratum.