Checking billy barr’s snow log…
My project explored the spatial distribution of net-spinning caddisflies (Arctopsyche grandis) in streams around RMBL. These caddisflies are considered ecosystem engineers, as their silk nets stabilize stream substrates, creating favorable habitats for other benthic organisms, and they are suspension feeders, using their nets to collect drifting organic matter. Previous research by Dr. Demi and Dr. Peckarsky shows their abundance varies substantially in streams in close proximity, with similar watershed characteristics. A survey of individuals from multiple sites in Copper Creek and the East River was conducted, including gut content analysis, water quality measurements (temperature, conductivity), measurements of suspended organic matter, stream velocity measurements, and substrate size analysis. This project aimed to identify whether hydrological differences, temperature, resource availability, and water quality influence the abundance of these important invertebrates. Results showed a significant positive relationship between the percentage of fungi within the diet and historical abundance when combined with temperature, the percentage of animals in the diet, and seston quantity. Additional multivariate results showed a significant relationship with fungi percentage, didymo percentage, and temperature in relation to 2026 abundance. However, no other single variable in linear or multivariate regression analysis showed a significant relationship with abundance. This may be due to a small sample size and a short sampling period. Fungi are related to the decomposition of detritus, and thus the quality of detritus, which was the second most common diet item, consumed may be an important factor for this species' growth and success.
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