Investigation of the within- and between-sample colour pattern differentiation in Hydropsyche contubernalis (Trichoptera)

The caddisfly Hydropsyche contubernalis (Trichoptera; Hydropsychidae) occurs in rivers and large streams throughout Europe. The aquatic larvae of this species are highly variable in their head capsule colour patterns. This paper describes the differentiation of such a pattern within and between 13 samples from three different West European river basins. The main aim is to investigate whether differences in colour pattern exist between river basins. Because the head capsule colour patterns of H. contubernalis do not have clear detectable morphs, an image analysis technique is presented to quantify the pattern in the form of mean colour curves expressed as grey levels. These curves are described by mathematical spline functions, and the differences between these functions, which formalize the original data set of colour curves, are analysed by multivariate Between-Group Principal Component Analysis. Our results show that distinct head capsule colour patterns occur in the Loire and Rhône, individuals of the Rhône being darker than individuals of the Loire. However these results also suggest that important differences in such a colour pattern can be detected at smaller scales: along the whole length of the Loire; within a 10km stretch of the Doubs, and also within a single site on the Loire (Amboise). Temporal differences at the same site between different H. contubernalis generations were also recorded. The mechanisms responsible for such differentiation patterns are discussed but still remain unclear. The overall statistical procedure detailed in this paper could potentially be used in numerous other fields of evolutionary biology.     

Longitudinal distribution and ecophysiological characteristics of Hydropsyche exocellata (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) in large rivers

The position as a potamic or rhithronic species of Hydropsyche exocellata (Trichoptera Hydropsychmae) was analysed with regard to 1) its metabolism temperature curve and the total amplitude of its respiratory metabolism between 5° and 25°C, n) its distribution in some reaches of the Rhône River basin (France), and Hydropsychmae coexisting species in those reaches to assess its place in the stream continuum Metabolism data indicated clearly that H exocellata was a species adapted to the potamon, but distribution data did not confirm metabolism results The absence of H exocellata, for instance, from the lower and potamic reaches from the Rhône River itself, as well as its frequent coexistence with H pellucidula, a well-established near-rhithronic species regarding metabolism, suggests a more complex definition of its position as a potamic species     

The distribution patterns of dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) along the Kiewa River,Australia, and their relevance in conservation assessment

Sampling of larval and adult Odonata from 16 sites along the Kiewa River, Victoria, yielded 34 species: 10 Zygoptera, 24 Anisoptera. Patterns of larval and adult incidence were appraised, and showed that most species were restricted in incidence to several consecutive sites along the river, and that there is clear distinction also between the faunas of the potamon, rhithron and eucrenon regions. Different species of some genera of Anisoptera displayed different zonational distributions, and patterns of incidence and relative abundance of larvae and adults confirmed zonational occupancy. For larvae, these distribution patterns transcended the mode of collection, although many species were found most abundantly in one microhabitat or by one of several sampling methods employed at each site. Sampling of the two stages separately showed considerable concurrence of distributional patterns, so that either stage alone may provide data of value in faunal and conservation assessment. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Observations on ventilatory and net-spinning activities of larvae of the genus Hydropsyche Pictet (Trichoptera, Hydropsychidae) under experimental conditions

Larvae of three species of the genus Hydropsyche with distribution patterns indicating they are associated with increasing ranges of flow rate and temperature in the sequence H. instahilis, H. pelhicidula, H. angustipennis, were selected for study. Experiments on frequency of ventilatory movements indicated that the larvae were increasingly tolerant to dissolved oxygen concentration, flow rate and temperature in the same sequence of species. Experiments on net-spinning indicated a corresponding order of preference for higher temperatures and a general preference for higher flow rates. During experiments on net-spinning the number of larval casualties, ascribed to encounters between individuals, showed marked contrasts between species. The significance ofthe behaviour ofthe larvae under experimental conditions is discussed with reference to their distribution in the field.     

Variability in the life-history patterns of four species of Hydropsyche (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) in southern Ontario streams

The life-history patterns of four Hydropsyche species (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) found in the Credit and Humber Rivers of southern Ontario were investigated through rearing studies, larval and adult collections, and analyses of densities and mortality of field populations of pupae. Hydropsyche slossonae was univoltine but was probably capable of producing a second generation under favourable conditions at the warmest station at which it occurred. Hydropsyche sparna was partially bivoltine at upstream stations and bivoltine at downstream stations. At downstream stations, the common species were Hydropsyche bronta . which was trivoltine. and Hydropsyche morosa , which was bivoltine. Hydropsyche sparna, H. bronta and H. morosa all exhibited a split-cohort development, in which not all of the summer-produced larvae completed development, pupated and emerged before the end of the growing season. Overwintering populations consisted of young larvae that had hatched from eggs laid by adults of the previous generation. Analysis of the temporal changes in the densities of living and dead pupae provided a reliable way to separate overwintering and spring- and summer-produced generations.     

Changes in the ciliate assemblage along a fluvial system related to physical, chemical and geomorphological characteristics

Samples were collected monthly from the water-sediment interface at six stations along the Mincio River (northern Italy) during a 1-year study of the ciliated protozoan communities. Four stations were located upstream of the Mantua lakes in the hyporhithron fluvial zone and two stations were located in the potamon fluvial zone between the Mantua lakes and the confluence with the Po River. A total of 133 species of active trophic ciliates belonging to 76 genera were found. Community structures revealed in this data were analysed using some statistical methods (similarity index, and categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA)) and this allowed the determination of differences between stations and between ciliate communities characteristic of stations. Species typical of the ecotypes located in both rhithron and potamon fluvial zones were defined. The saprobic index and valency analysis methods were used to quantify organic input and to follow changes in saprobicity along the river. A change in the ciliate communities was observed between stations located upstream and stations located downstream of the town of Mantua. The former were composed mainly of beta-mesosaprobic species, typical of the hill zone of running waters, while in the latter increased numbers of alpha-mesosaprobic species are associated with the higher anthropogenic pressures. Our results reiterate the high sensitivity shown by ciliated protozoa as indicators of organic load in watercourses.     

Composition and zonation of benthic invertebrate communities in a New Zealand kauri forest stream

SUMMARY. The macro-invertebrate fauna of Waitakere River and its tributaries, a northern New Zealand kauri forest stream, was surveyed in January 1974 and January and June 1975, as part of a study on stream community dynamics. This survey and regular samples in the study area provided 144 taxa, almost three times the maximum number previously recorded from a New Zealand stream. Many species were restricted in distribution to a high gradient tributary, or the low gradient mainstream. These did not follow the division into rhithron and potamon families suggested for New Zealand.     

The abundance and temporal distribution of caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) caught by light traps on the Austrian Danube from 1986 to 1987

SUMMARY. 1. Adult Trichoptera were caught for 1 year (May 1986 to June 1987) on the banks of the Danube at Altenwörth, Lower Austria, using a set of three Jermy-type light traps. From a total of 62,693 specimens caught, the most abundant species were Brachycentrus subnubilus Curtis (Brachycentridae), the two hydropsychids Hydropsyche bulgaromanorum Mal. and Hydropsyche contubernalis McL., Tinodes waeneri L. (Psychomyidae) and the leptocerid Ceraclea dissimilis Steph.
2. The total catch included sixty-five of the 278 Austrian species from thirteen families. Hydroptila pulchricornis Pictet and Oecetis notata Ramb. were new to the Austrian fauna.
3.Of the meteorological parameters tested, only air temperature seemed to influence flight activity.
4. Twenty-four species were studied in detail; Halesus tesselatus Ramb. was the only autumn species, the remainder being summer species. In Tinodes waeneri , the flight period was divided into two well-defined peaks.
5. Of the total, 49.9% were caught during the first third of the night, 39.1% in the second and 11.0% in the last third.
6. In seventeen species the sex ratio was significantly different from 1:1, and it changed during the night.
7. The indication of water quality by light trap catches of caddisflies is discussed.     

Zonation of the invertebrate fauna in a West Indian stream

Samples of the invertebrate fauna collected at ten points on a mountain stream in Trinidad reveal that the fauna is altitudinally zoned and that the apparent boundary between rhithron and potamon is below 30 m. This is very much lower than has previously been reported in the tropics.Summary General collections of the benthos and water striders were made at 10 points from 550-17 m altitude on the Arima River, Trinidad, a swift mountain stream. It was possible to conclude that 38 of the taxa that occurred commonly in some of the samples were probably single species. These displayed marked vertical zonation of the fauna and a change in the community that can be interpreted as the rhithron-potamon boundary at less than 30 m. This markedly lower than has previously been reported from the tropics.     

Asymmetric resource competition in a filter-feeding stream insect (Hydropsyche siltalai; Trichoptera)

SUMMARY. 1. Field experiments in a lake outlet stream were carried out on filter-feeding larvae of the caddisfly Hydropsyche siltalai Döhler, to assess whether microhabitat quality, establishment and growth rate is affected by position (upstream—downstream) within a dense aggregation of larvae.
2. Artificial substrates holding high-density aggregations of hydropsychid larvae were used. Marked III-instar H. siltalai larvae were implanted either in the upstream end or in the downstream end of an aggregation and recovered after 17 days.
3. Larvae recovered from the downstream end of an aggregation were smaller than those that had been implanted in the upstream end.
4. Fewer larvae had settled in the downstream end of aggregations compared to the exposed upstream part.
5. Naturally colonizing H. sitalai larvae were, in contrast to implanted larvae, more numerous behind aggregations. Small (first and second instar) Hydropsyche angustipennis (Curtis) and/or H. pellucidula (Curtis) larvae were more numerous in front of aggregations.
6. Current velocities, measured with a microcurrent velocity meter, and density of drifting prey, were significantly lower behind aggregations of hydropsychid larvae. Food availability decreased by about 50% behind aggregations.     

Acid-induced acute toxicity of aluminium to three species of filter feeding caddis larvae (Trichoptera, Arctopsychidae and Hydropsychidae)

1. Arctopsyche ladogensis , Hydropsyche angustipennis and Hydropsyche siltalai larvae were exposed to nominal aluminium concentrations of 0, 625, 1250, 2500 and 5000 μg Al l^–1 at pH 5.0 for 96 h. Larvae reared at pH 6.4 and without any aluminium treatment were used as controls. Morphological abnormalities in the anal papillae of the larvae were used as the response variable in estimating the median effective concentrations (EC₅₀) of aluminium.
2. No morphological abnormalities were observed in the control larvae. Only a few individuals of A. ladogensis had darkened anal papillae at pH 5.0 without additional aluminium treatment, whereas increasing aluminium concentrations significantly increased the number of individuals in all species displaying darkening and reduction of the papillae.
3. A. ladogensis appeared to be the most sensitive species to increasing aluminium concentrations, as reflected by the significantly lower mean EC₅₀ value for this species compared with those of H. siltalai and H. angustipennis . H. angustipennis larvae were the most tolerant to aluminium.
4. The results indicate that interspecific differences in sensitivity to aluminium may be a key factor influencing the guild structure of filter feeding caddis flies in acidified streams. The results also imply that toxic effects of aluminium on filter feeding caddis larvae occur due to the impairment of normal osmoregulation processes via damage to the ion-regulatory organs.     

Acid-induced acute toxicity of aluminium to three species of filter feeding caddis larvae (Trichoptera, Arctopsychidae and Hydropsychidae)

1. Arctopsyche ladogensis , Hydropsyche angustipennis and Hydropsyche siltalai larvae were exposed to nominal aluminium concentrations of 0, 625, 1250, 2500 and 5000 μg Al l^–1 at pH 5.0 for 96 h. Larvae reared at pH 6.4 and without any aluminium treatment were used as controls. Morphological abnormalities in the anal papillae of the larvae were used as the response variable in estimating the median effective concentrations (EC₅₀) of aluminium.
2. No morphological abnormalities were observed in the control larvae. Only a few individuals of A. ladogensis had darkened anal papillae at pH 5.0 without additional aluminium treatment, whereas increasing aluminium concentrations significantly increased the number of individuals in all species displaying darkening and reduction of the papillae.
3. A. ladogensis appeared to be the most sensitive species to increasing aluminium concentrations, as reflected by the significantly lower mean EC₅₀ value for this species compared with those of H. siltalai and H. angustipennis . H. angustipennis larvae were the most tolerant to aluminium.
4. The results indicate that interspecific differences in sensitivity to aluminium may be a key factor influencing the guild structure of filter feeding caddis flies in acidified streams. The results also imply that toxic effects of aluminium on filter feeding caddis larvae occur due to the impairment of normal osmoregulation processes via damage to the ion-regulatory organs.     

The pre-impoundment distribution of certain trichoptera larvae in the North Tyne river system (Northern England), with particular reference to current speed

A pre-impoundment survey of the River North Tyne recorded nine species of caseless caddis larvae of the families Hydropsychidae, Rhyacophilidae and Polycentropodidae. 83% of the total numbers collected comprised two species-Hydropsyche siltalai and H. Pellucidula. An analysis was carried out on the distributions of five species with respect to flow rate, from which it appears that the main species-pair H. siltalai, H. pellucidula coexist partly by exhibiting different flow preferences. The possible influence of river impoundment upon flow regimes and invertebrate distributions is briefly discussed.     

Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Ecological Preferences of Coexisting Hydropsychid Species (Trichoptera) in Two Mediterranean River Basins (S Spain)

The hydropsychids of two Mediterranean river basins in southern Spain (Guadaira and Guadalete) were investigated from January 1988 to January 1989. The distribution of hydropsychids along an environmental gradient related to altitude varied depending on species. Two distinct species assemblages were observed. one located in the lower altitude sites (the “downstream assemblage” comprising Hydropsyche pictetorum, Hydropsyche exocellata and Cheumatopsyche lepida) and the other in the upper-most areas (the “upstream assemblage” comprising Hydropsyche punica, Hydropsyche infernalis, Hydropsyche instabilis), which displayed a statistically significant preference for this type of habitat. Finally, H. pictetorum, selected the lowest sites. From a temporal point of view most species displayed a high variability in density dynamics between sites, suggesting a strong plasticity in life-cycle phenology.     

Range expansion of rotan <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perccottus glenii</Emphasis>, sunbleak <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leucaspius delineatus</Emphasis>, and bleak <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alburnus alburnus</Emphasis> in the Ob River basin

The ranges of three alien fish species (rotan Perccottus glenii, sunbleak Leucaspius delineatus, and bleak Alburnus alburnus) in the Ob River basin, West Siberia, have expanded. Our data prove the expansion of rotan and sunbleak ranges to the north. In particular, for the first time, populations of rotan are reported from the lower section of the Ob. We also present new data about range expansion of the studied fish species southward. All three species have probably reached the southern limits of their possible distribution in the Upper Ob system, entering the potamon/rhithron transition zone, because the species under study prefer lowland waters. The spatio-temporal dynamics of their expansion reveals the role of the Ob River as the main invasion corridor, enhancing their distribution mostly in meridional direction. In the system of the Upper Ob, rotan and sunbleak were found by us in isolated ponds and lakes, as well as in floodplain systems. This is in agreement with the concept of two invasion vectors: the translocation of fish by humans between water bodies and self-distribution along the river courses.     

The microdistribution of some lotic insect predators in relation to their prey and to abiotic factors

SUMMARY. 1. The microdistribution of three species of insect predators in a Swedish stream was assessed using a multivariate statistical approach. Both abiotic factors and factors pertaining to the prey community were included in the analysis.
2. The factors most strongly correlated to the distribution of large Dinocras cephalotes were the densities of case less caddis larvae ( Wormaldia sp. and Hydropsyche siltalai ) and the median weight of stonefly prey. For small D. cephalotes , the density of H. siltalai and the percentage of moss cover were most important. Isoperla grammatica showed a significant correlation to blackfly density. Rhyacophila nubila occurred predominantly in patches with high prey biomass and with high densities and median weight of case less caddis larvae.
3. It was concluded that the quantity and quality of the prey, such as size, availability and species, influenced the predators'microdistribution. The distributional pattern differed between species of predators and was probably related to their different hunting strategies.     

Lipid metabolism of caddisfly larvae at low pH

The influence of low pH (5.0 and 4.0) on lipid metabolism of caddisworms Hydropsyche contubernalis L. (Trichoptera) was studied in 48 h toxicity experiments. The results were correlated with lipid composition of caddisworms directly isolated from natural water. Phospholipids, cholesterol, mono-, di-, triacylglycerols, and fatty acids were detected by thin-layer and liquid chromatography. Minimal environmental changes were shown to initiate the biochemical adaptation mechanisms strengthening the cellular membranes through their condensation due to additional phospholipid and cholesterol synthesis. In the natural medium the adaptation processes are more active than in the artificial medium. More serious changes, such as pH decrease to 4.0, suppress the adaptation processes in the first medium and terminated them in the second one.     

Evolution of poecilogony from planktotrophy: cryptic speciation, phylogeography, and larval development in the gastropod genus Alderia

Poecilogony, a rare phenomenon in marine invertebrates, occurs when alternative larval morphs differing in dispersal potential or trophic mode are produced from a single genome. Because both poecilogony and cryptic species are prevalent among sea slugs in the suborder Sacoglossa (Gastropoda: Opisthobranchia), molecular data are needed to confirm cases of variable development and to place them in a phylogenetic context. The nominal species Alderia modesta produces long-lived, feeding larvae throughout the North Atlantic and Pacific, but in California can also produce short-lived larvae that metamorphose without feeding. We collected morphological, developmental, and molecular data for Alderia from 17 sites spanning the eastern and western Pacific and North Atlantic. Estuaries south of Bodega Harbor, California, contained a cryptic species (hereafter Alderia sp.) with variable development, sister to the strictly planktotrophic A. modesta. The smaller Alderia sp. seasonally toggled between planktotrophy and lecithotrophy, with some individuals differing in development but sharing mitochondrial DNA haplotypes. The sibling species overlapped in Tomales Bay, California, but showed no evidence of hybridization; laboratory mating trials suggest postzygotic isolation has arisen. Intra- and interspecific divergence times were estimated using a molecular clock calibrated with geminate sacoglossans. Speciation occurred about 4.1 million years ago during a major marine radiation in the eastern Pacific, when large inland embayments in California may have isolated ancestral populations. Atlantic and Pacific A. modesta diverged about 1.7 million years ago, suggesting trans-Arctic gene flow was interrupted by Pleistocene glaciation. Both Alderia species showed evidence of late Pleistocene population expansion, but the southern Alderia sp. likely experienced a more pronounced bottleneck. Reduced body size may have incurred selection against obligate planktotrophy in Alderia sp. by limiting fecundity in the face of high larval mortality rates in warm months. Alternatively, poecilogony may be an adaptive response to seasonal opening of estuaries, facilitating dispersal by long-lived larvae. An improved understanding of the forces controlling seasonal shifts in development in Alderia sp. may yield insight into the evolutionary forces promoting transitions to nonfeeding larvae.     

Effect of aluminum and iron on lipid metabolism in aquatic invertebrates

Methods of thin-layer, gas-liquid, and liquid chromatography were applied to the study of the effect of various concentrations of aluminum and iron salts on the contents of phospholipids, cholesterol, and fatty acids in the aquatic invertebrate Hydropsyche contubernalis L. (Trichoptera). It was found that the effect of the metals under study on lipid contents in living organisms depended on the composition of the aqueous medium and concentrations of the metals. Aluminum and iron altered the value of the cholesterol-to-phospholipid molar ratio. In the absence of lethal effects, this was indicative of attempts to switch adaptational biochemical mechanisms to stabilize cellular structures.     

Distribution of Trichoptera communities in the Hozgargantacatchment (Los Alcornocales Natural Park,SW Spain)

The distribution of Trichoptera of the Hozgarganta River (Los Alcornocales Natural Park, SW Spain) in relation with environmental factors was examined. Three groups of species were recognised according to the altitudinal gradient. In the headwaters the caddisflies Rhyacophila fonticola, Lepidostoma hirtum, Silonella aurata, Allogamus gibraltaricus, Hydropsyche infernalis and Diplectrona felix predominated; in the constrained section of the tributaries Polycentropus kingi, Chimarra marginata, Hydropsyche iberomaroccana, R. fonticola and Tinodes sp. prevailed; finally, in the main channel H. iberomaroccana, C. marginata, Hydropsyche lobata, Leptocerus lusitanicus and Rhyacophila munda were the most important species. A direct ordination analysis (CCA) was used to describe assemblage changes among sites and corroborated that conductivity and temperature were the variables that best explained Trichoptera distribution. The temporal analysis showed changes in the Trichoptera diversity and richness in permanent stretches, as well as variations in the structure of the communities according to the season. We identified autumn‐winter species (H. infernalis, H. siltalai, H. lobata, R. fonticola and R. munda ) and summer ones (Ithytrichia sp, Oxyethira unidentata, Mystacides azurea and Setodes argentipunctellus ). In the basin we distinguished permanent, intermittent and ephemeral reaches with similar caddisfly richness and diversity, however the species composition associated with each one was different. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)