Can “eastern green drake” larvae survive in Spring Creek sediment? : Toward reestablishing the burrowing mayfly Ephemera guttulata Pictet (Ephemeroptera: Ephemeridae) in a central Pennsylvania stream

Until the 1950s, the density and celebrity of Spring Creek (Centre County, Pennsylvania) Ephemera guttulata populations were legendary; however, the ravages of pollution and urbanization dealt grave blows to its freshwater fauna, and decades have passed since E. guttulata graced Spring Creek waters. Because anglers covet this mayfly, and because remediative efforts and the passage of time have led to some improvements in water quality, there is much local interest in the reintroduction of Spring Creek “green drakes”. Burrowing mayflies in general are intolerant of pollution, and E. guttulata specifically is found within substrate of certain quality and composition—therefore we expect substrate compatibility to be a key variable in E. guttulata survivorship. We hypothesize that survivorship will differ for field-collected larvae transplanted into Spring Creek substrate versus larvae transplanted into their native substrate.  The results of a 39-day viability experiment to test this hypothesis were surprising, and could bode well for E. guttulata restoration. Our research represents an opportunity to publicize biodiversity issues concerning urbanized streams, and restoration would undoubtedly boost local revenue. The ecological importance of this species, its sportfishing status, and its historic ties to Spring Creek make this mayfly a prime candidate for the spotlight.