Ec. Phillips et Rv. Kilambi, UTILIZATION OF COARSE WOODY DEBRIS BY EPHEMEROPTERA IN 3 OZARK STREAMS OF ARKANSAS, The Southwestern naturalist, 39(1), 1994, pp. 58-62
Collections of ephemeropteran nymphs were made from both coarse woody
debris (CWD) and benthic habitats from the White River, Illinois River
, and Clear Creek of northwestern Arkansas, from February 1991 through
February 1992. Two-way analysis of variance comparing the density of
mayflies between habitat types, and among seasons yielded significant
main effects only with habitat type. There was no two-way interaction.
Mayflies were significantly more abundant in benthic habitats than on
CWD. Of at least 35 species of mayflies, 11 were collected in signifi
cantly greater densities from benthic habitats, and only two from CWD.
Degree of decay was an important factor in determining the abundance
of species on CWD. Species with a preference were more abundant either
on wood with loose bark remaining, or well decayed wood containing ma
ny interstitial spaces. The volume of biofilm on CWD was a factor in d
etermining the abundance of only one species.