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Growth Rates of Chironomids Collected from an Ephemeral Floodplain Wetland

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Abstract

Floodplains are dynamic wetlands that are constantly alternating between aquatic and terrestrial phases. To survive these conditions, aquatic invertebrates must have life history strategies allowing them to take advantage of inundation periods. One such strategy is growing rapidly and completing development before flood waters recede. We measured daily growth rates and development times of 7 chironomid species during April, June, and August using egg masses collected from the Sipsey River floodplain, west central Alabama, USA. Egg masses and resulting larvae were reared under ambient temperatures (18–27°C) and with a natural food source. All successfully reared chironomids were in the subfamily Chironominae. Mean growth rate was 0.28 d-1 suggesting a biomass turnover time of 3 days. Mean development time was 17 days. Temperature affected chironomid development time, with slower rates occurring at the lowest temperature. While many chironomid species appear capable of rapid growth in floodplains when temperatures are >18°C, completion of their life cycle seems likely only if inundation persists at least 2–3 weeks. Longer inundation periods are probably necessary for chironomids to complete their life cycle at colder temperatures in winter and early spring.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Bill Burks and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources State Lands Division for allowing us to conduct research at the Sipsey River Forever Wild Tract. The University of Alabama Department of Biological Sciences and University of Alabama Student Government Association supported our research. Comments from Darold Batzer and two anonymous reviewers improved the manuscript.

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Author notes

  1. Lusha M. Tronstad

    Present address: Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82071-3381, USA

  2. Bryan P. Tronstad

    Present address: University of Wyoming Libraries, Laramie, WY, 82071-3262, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Aquatic Biology Program, University of Alabama, Box 870206, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487-0206, USA

    Arthur C. Benke

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  1. Lusha M. Tronstad
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  2. Bryan P. Tronstad
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  3. Arthur C. Benke
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Correspondence to Lusha M. Tronstad.

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Tronstad, L.M., Tronstad, B.P. & Benke, A.C. Growth Rates of Chironomids Collected from an Ephemeral Floodplain Wetland. Wetlands 30, 827–831 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-010-0074-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-010-0074-2

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