Poster Details
THE EFFECTS OF HIGH FLOW RATES ON HEXAGENIA LIMBATA (EPHERMEROPTERA: EPHEMERIDAE) AND THEIR BURROWS
Hexagenia is one of the most studied genera of Ephemeroptera, yet no study has examined the effects stream flowrates have on H. limbata. It is possible that climate change, increasing impervious surfaces in urban areas, deforestation, and other factors will affect surface water flowrates. This study is investigating the effects of higher flowrates on the burrow structure of H. limbata. In order to do so, multiple thin-spaced chambers were constructed with different flowrate regimes. The chambers allow for continuous view of the nymphs and burrows. Nymphs with head widths X.X-X.X mm were observed in sediment of no more than 1 mm, water temperature 22-27C, and under flow rates of 0, 1, and 2 m/min. Differences in the lengths, depths, and loop complexity of burrows under the different flowrates will be reported. This study also examined whether the thin-spaced chamber method altered the burrowing structures, as suggested by previous research.
Nicholas Addison (Primary Presenter/Author), Clemson University, naddiso@g.clemson.edu;
John C. Morse ( Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Clemson University, jmorse@clemson.edu;