Habitat selection by two species of burrowing mayfly nymphs in the Les Cheneaux Islands region of northern Lake Huron

Journal of Freshwater Ecology
By: , and 

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Abstract

This study focused primarily on the habitat preferences of Hexagenia limbata andEphemera simulans, two species prevalent in northern Lake Huron, to gain a better understanding of the key components that determined their distribution and abundance. Both species preferred habitats based upon depth and sediment type. In addition, the burrowing activity of H. limbata was examined using in-situ, underwater sampling techniques specifically designed for the study. SCUBA divers made resin casts and took clear sediment cores in order to study how the burrow densities of H. limbata related to the sediment: water volume ratios. H. limbata contributed to the bioturbation and sediment porosity in specific, fine-sediment habitats. Younger age classes of this species utilized the burrows of their larger cohorts, an adaptation that could allow for energy savings and optimized growth.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Habitat selection by two species of burrowing mayfly nymphs in the Les Cheneaux Islands region of northern Lake Huron
Series title Journal of Freshwater Ecology
DOI 10.1080/02705060.2004.9664926
Volume 19
Issue 3
Year Published 2004
Language English
Publisher Taylor & Francis
Contributing office(s) Great Lakes Science Center
Description 8 p.
First page 507
Last page 514
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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