Species composition, distribution, and summer emergence phenology of stoneflies (Insecta: Plecoptera) from Catamaran Brook, New Brunswick

Abstract

Stonefly (Plecoptera) emergence was investigated between May and September of 1993 and 1994 in Catamaran Brook, New Brunswick, as part of a base-line study to evaluate the effects of timber harvest on Atlantic salmon habitat in Atlantic Canada. Thirty-one stonefly species representing seven families were identified from Catamaran Brook, of which 8 were new provincial records. Eight species, all in the families Chloroperlidae and Leuctridae, were common in both years. The cone-type emergence traps used in this study appeared to adequately sample most stonefly species except the Perlidae. There was a pronounced seasonal progression of species emerging from the brook that was generally constant for both years. However, the abundance and timing of stonefly emergence were related to both temperature and discharge patterns. Generally earlier emergence in 1994 than 1993 was probably related to warmer water in 1994 than 1993, and lower abundance in 1994 was probably related to a reduction in habitat due to unusually low water in that year.