Longitudinal development of macroinvertebrate communities below oligotrophic lake outlets

Authors

Christopher T. Robinson, Idaho State University, Pocatello
G. Wayne Minshall, Idaho State University, Pocatello

Abstract

Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected at several sites downstream of three oligotrophic lake outfalls in July 1986. Total numbers, biomass, and species richness increased rapidly immediately downstream from the outlets and then either stabilized or continued to increase downstream in parallel with benthic organic matter standing crops. Filter feeder densities showed an initial buildup and then decline downstream from the outlets. Variability in longitudinal patterns of other functional feeding groups among lake outlets was related to differences in food quantity and quality, and microhabitat.

An additional set of samples was collected at Pettit Lake outlet in August 1986. Species richness and total density peaked sooner under baseflow conditions in August than under spring runoff conditions in June. Distributions of all functional feeding groups, except filter feeders, also differed between the two periods, reflecting differences in the physical environment. We conclude that reduced lentic inputs of particulate organic matter seston and improved habitat suitability downstream are responsible for the progressive development of macroinvertebrate communities in oligotrophic lake outlets. These data imply the importance of the habitat templet in the structuring of benthic communities.

Recommended Citation

Robinson, Christopher T. and Minshall, G. Wayne (1990) "Longitudinal development of macroinvertebrate communities below oligotrophic lake outlets," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 50: No. 4, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol50/iss4/3