Flipping through field notebooks…
Emergent aquatic insects can be a large source of nutrients that are transported from aquatic to terrestrial environments. Many terrestrial organisms such as birds, spiders, and invertebrates rely on these pulsed allochthonous resources. However, nutrient movement is not confined only to aquatic-to-terrestrial processes. Aquatic ecosystems rely on terrestrial inputs of nutrients through dropped leaves, nutrient run off, and terrestrial insects falling into the water. These inputs can be very important in high alpine ponds which generally have low primary production. The timing and strength of these resource pulses are subject to change due to the effects of climate change. Range shifts of aquatic insects with varied phenology may interrupt or enhance the transportation of nutrients across ecosystem boundaries. This research will investigate how the population boom of a range shifting caddisfly impacts nutrient and biomass exports from high elevation wetlands. The phenology and emergence timing of this caddisfly may add temporal variability to the availability of allochthonous resources for terrestrial ecosystems. While this research will further scientific advancement, this will also enhance public outreach through tours of the field station and research sites, and develop future scientists by working with and mentoring undergraduate students.