Comparison of macroinvertebrate assemblages inhabiting pristine streams in the Huron Mountains of Michigan, USA

Benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages were surveyed from similar erosional biotopes of four pristine streams in the remote Huron Mountain region of the upper peninsula of Michigan during the summers of 1992 and 1993. Semi-quantitative samples from five sites, each in a 1.5 km stretch of Mountain Stream, Pine River, Salmon-Trout River and Huron River, were the basis for structural and functional comparisons between streams. Ancillary water chemistry data reflect the relative pollution free nature of these streams. Both water chemistry and macroinvertebrate data served as the first baseline data for Huron Mountain streams. No new or rare species were found among the 194 species sampled. Temporal differences in taxonomic makeup within streams were due to differences among insect species life cycles. Taxonomic makeup between streams was generally similar, but certain differences are shown to be possibly related to factors such as lake sources, interspecific interactions, and stream size. Based on relative abundance of each functional feeding group, assemblages in all streams were functionally similar and collector-dominated. ANOVA results indicated significant differences in functional feeding group abundance and biomass between streams in every case. The functional variations reflected by specific differences in taxonomic composition between stream assemblages are discussed.