Distribution of benthic invertebrates in the lost streams of Idaho

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Andrews, Douglas A.; G. Wayne Minshall

Source:

American Midland Naturalist, University of Notre Dame, Volume 102, Issue 1, p.140-148 (1979)

Call Number:

A79AND01IDUS

URL:

http://www.jstor.org/stable/2425075

Keywords:

Acroneuria pacifica, Baetis tricaudatus, Brachycentrus occidentalis, caddis flies, dipterans, Ephemerella grandis, Ephemerella inermis, Hydropsyche, Isoperla fulva, mayflies, Optioservus quadrimaculatus, Simulium, stone flies, SWAP, Tipula

Abstract:

The "lost streams" of Idaho (Big Lost and Little Lost rivers; Birch, Medicine Lodge, Beaver, and Camas creeks) constitute a unique set of isolated lotic environments. The streams are all similar in size (discharge 1.5–2.5 m3/sec) except for Camas Creek which is 3–4 times larger. Likewise, chemical conditions are similar in all streams except Camas Creek which has generally lower values. The Lost Streams are well-buffered and rich in calcium bicarbonate (100–250 mg/liter as CaC03). Sixty-one invertebrate taxa were found in the comparative collections, but only 10 (excluding Chironomidae) occurred in all six streams: a beetle (Optioservus quadri maculatus), two dipterans (Simulium sp., Tipula sp.) three mayflies (Baetis tricaudatus, Ephemerella grandis, E. inermis), two stone flies (Acroneuria pacifica, Isoperla fulva), and two caddis flies (Brachycentrus occidentalis, Hydropsyche sp.). Examination of invertebrate collections from both sides of the 80–95-km-wide Snake River Plain suggests that the faunas were established before isolation of the Lost Streams during the early Pleistocene.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Invertebrates

SWAP (2/19/16) citation:
Andrews DA, Minshall GW. 1979. Distribution of benthic invertebrates in the lost streams of Idaho. [accessed 2015 Jun 1]; American Midland Naturalist. 102(1):140–148. http://www.ephemeroptera-galactica.com/pubs/pub_a/pubandrewsd1979p140.pdf