Caddisfly Abundance Near Waterfalls

Presenter: Macey Lampi

Co-Presenter(s):
Kristal Saravia, Siena Royan

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 19-20

Semester: Spring

Department: Biology

Funding Source/Sponsor: Class Project

Abstract:
Caddisflies are a highly speciated and diverse group of benthic macroinvertebrates that provide an indication of stream and ecosystem health due to the specific freshwater quality parameters necessary for their survival. The most vulnerable Caddisfly life stage is the larva, in which water velocity and rough flow conditions can cause damage or death for individuals. In this study, we examined existing literature to determine the Caddisfly’s survivability at different flow rates and stream morphologies to conclude its ideal living conditions. Evidence suggests that Caddisflies are most abundant in the basal creek segments where the water typically has less velocity, as opposed to riffle segments that contain about 28.7% of the concentration of Caddisflies. These data can be compiled to estimate the ideal flow rates for Caddisflies to thrive. This gives predictive insight into the effects of, and resilience to, weather and climate changes on the population of Caddisflies over time.