Plant Litter Can Be Important Food for Stream Bugs

Abstract

Plant parts from the land can be important energy sources and habitats for small plant-eating animals that live in water. Animals in forested streams depend on energy from plant parts because the shade limits the amount of light needed for photosynthesis. One group of animals that benefits from these resources are water critters called macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrates are small, but most of them are visible to the naked eye. Examples include insects and worms. Macroinvertebrates can influence the amounts of materials floating in streams by helping to break down plant litter that falls into the water. These tiny water critters play an important role in making energy available to stream animals like fish and shrimp.