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Aquatic insect colonization dynamics were studied in an attempt to understand patterns of diversity in sub-alpine wetlands. More specifically, this study investigated three alternate hypotheses: species-level diversity in habitat patches is a function of 1) patch size, 2) patch complexity, or 3) source-community characteristics. Experimental ponds that varied in size and habitat complexity were placed around natural source ponds of varying hydroperiods. Samples of invertebrate abundance and species richness were taken after a nine days of natural colonization. Results revealed higher species richness in more complex habitats (F 1, 66 = 5.756; p = 0.0193). Species richness also varied with respect to hydroperiod (F 2, 66 = 12.961, p < 0.0001), with highest diversity in habitat patches around vernal ponds. Species richness did not vary with respect to patch size (F 1, 92 = 0.665; p = 0.417). Results support the hypothesis that diversity is a function of habitat heterogeneity, while they do not support the hypothesis that diversity is a function of size. Thus, the protection and/or creation of large bodies of water may not be sufficient to preserve wetland species-diversity; success may hinge on the complexity of protected/created habitat patches. Additionally, patterns of diversity in habitat patches varied with respect to source community. Thus, assessment of the biotic and abiotic characteristics of existing wetland communities may be necessary to ensure site-specific preservation of species diversity.
Knowledge graph centered on Patterns of biodiversity in sub-alpine wetlands with 17 nodes and 56 connections. Top connected: Spruce, aquatic insects, Trichoptera, space use, Abies lasiocarpa.
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