Aquatic insects in Montezuma Well, Arizona, USA: a travertine spring mound with high alkalinity and dissolved carbon dioxide

Authors

Dean W. Blinn, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff
Milton W. Sanderson, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff

Abstract

An annotated list of aquatic insects from the high carbonate system of Montezuma Well, Arizona, USA, is presented for collections taken during 1976–1986. Fifty-seven taxa in 16 families are reported, including new distribution records for Arizona (Anacaena signaticollis, Laccobius ellipticus, and Crenitulus sp. [nr. debilis]) and the USA (Enochrus sharpi). Larval stages for Trichoptera, Lepidoptera, Megaloptera, Neuroptera, Chironomidae, and Anisoptera were absent even though the habitat lacks fish, and water temperature, dissolved oxygen, available food, and substrata appear adequate in Montezuma Well. The potential importance of alkalinity in restricting these insect groups is discussed.

Recommended Citation

Blinn, Dean W. and Sanderson, Milton W. (1989) "Aquatic insects in Montezuma Well, Arizona, USA: a travertine spring mound with high alkalinity and dissolved carbon dioxide," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 49: No. 1, Article 7.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol49/iss1/7