Tw. Stewart et al., Macroinvertebrate communities on hard substrates in western Lake Erie: Structuring effects of Dreissena, J GR LAKES, 24(4), 1998, pp. 868-879
Of the approximately 140 non-indigenous species that have invaded the Great
Lakes since the early 1800s, few have had greater effects on this ecosyste
m than the zebra and quagga mussel (Dreissena polymorpha and D. bugensis, r
espectively). In this study the effects of these bivalves on macroinvertebr
ates inhabiting hard substrates in western Lake Erie were quantified. Bioma
ss, densities, diversity of macroinvertebrates, and particulate organic mat
ter mass were measured on bricks with high and low Dreissena densities that
were held at a depth of 3.5 m for 49 days in 1996. Total macroinvertebrate
densities and biomass (excluding Dreissena) were two and five times greate
r on substrates with high Dreissena densities than when Dreissena were rare
. These differences were largely attributed to the amphipod Echinogammarus
ischnus, itself an invading species, which constituted 29 and 31% of total
macroinvertebrate densities and biomass, respectively, on Dreissena-dominat
ed substrates. Dreissena also stimulated increased macroinvertebrate divers
ity, causing a shift from a community dominated by the chironomid Dicrotend
ipes neomodestus to an assemblage characterized by increased densities and
equitability of hydroids (Hydridae), the flatworm Dugesia tigrina, tubifici
d oligochaetes, leeches (Alboglossiphonia heteroclita and immature Erpobdel
lidae), limpets (Ancylidae), snails (Physella integra and Amnicola limosa),
Echinogammarus, the microcaddisfly Hydroptila ?waubesiana, and the chirono
mid Micro tendipes pedellus. No taxon responded negatively to Dreissena in
this study. In addition, particulate organic matter mass, an important food
and habitat resource for benthic invertebrates, was two times greater on D
reissena-dominated substrates than on bricks with few Dreissena. Our result
s support hypotheses that Dreissena have strong effects on community dynami
cs and energy flow pathways in the Great Lakes.