thumbnail

Benthic invertebrates in selected streams of the Piceance Creek basin, northwestern Colorado, water years 1977-81

Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4138
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri844138

Links

Abstract

Data from the periodic collection of benthic invertebrates at six streamflow stations in the basin during water years 1977-81 are presented and summarized. A total of 162 genera from 8 insect orders and 8 non-insect orders were documented. Numbers of organisms per sample ranged from 0 to 3,700. Counts generally were greater during low streamflow. Diptera (two-winged flies) were the most numerous organisms and the percent composition of Diptera increased downstream. Organisms associated with both unpolluted and polluted streams were collected. The assignment of taxa into trophic groups placed most taxa into the burrowers-sprawlers-clingers (habits) groups and primary and secondary consumer (food-web) groups. General community structure, however, remained balanced and stable. Mean diversity indices ranged from 2.21 to 2.82 and similarity indices indicate better than 50% consistency of composition. Mean diversity indices were greatest in the middle part of the Piceance Creek basin. The distribution of benthic invertebrates collected indicated that no deleterious water quality conditions existed during the study period. Differences in benthos communities within and between sites are attributed to differences in water discharge, water temperature, substrate, and chemical quality of water. (USGS)
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Benthic invertebrates in selected streams of the Piceance Creek basin, northwestern Colorado, water years 1977-81
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 84-4138
DOI 10.3133/wri844138
Edition -
Year Published 1985
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description iv, 99 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details