Determining the Effects of Climate-Induced Range Shifts on Caddisfly Population Dynamics

Abstract

The geographic distribution of many freshwater insects is restricted in part by timing of snowmelt and the temperature of the water. Because of this, climate change is having a significant effect on the distribution of aquatic species around Gothic, Colorado. Scientists have documented that species typically found in lower elevation have begun to expand their range into higher alpine ponds. However, it is unknown how elevation will affect their population dynamics and rate of nutrient recycling. Caddisflies are a species of aquatic detritivores that are fundamental in providing nutrients to the ecosystem. Understanding how elevation affects caddisfly growth and population size is key to understanding how climate change will affect alpine communities globally. To have a better understanding of this concept, I studied 37 ponds ranging from 2,347 to 3,505 meters in elevation and looked at how elevation affected population density, adult body size, and adult emergence time of four species of caddisfly: Limnephilus externus, Limnephilus picturatus, Grammotaulius lorretae, and Asynarchus nigriculus. I took density samples of these species in each pond throughout the summer. Pupae were placed in emergence chambers, and adults were collected and measured. Elevation had a significant effect on the emergence time of Asynarchus. Elevation also positively affected Asynarchus density while it negatively affected Grammotaulius density. Pond type had a significant effect on Asynarchus thorax and abdomen weight at the Mexican Cut. This study was important because understanding how climate change affects foundational species may help us better understand its far-reaching effects on ecosystems.

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