Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 2:30 PM
435

Mayfly diversity and distribution in New England (USA) and Atlantic Canada: Update on rare and little known species and status of regional species pool

Steven K. Burian, Biology, Southern Connecticut State University, 501 Crescent St., New Haven, CT 06515

Mayflies are important components of many aquatic habitats and have been on the forefront of biomonitoring in North America for ~40 yr. Yet, despite their importance we still don’t have a broad understanding of contemporary patterns of species diversity, distribution, and abundance sufficient to critically assess the effects of major anthropogenic activities (e.g., agriculture, industrialization, mining, dams, and suburbanization). The need for such an understanding is now even greater with the effects of climate change looming on the horizon.

            To address this problem I have compiled 38 yr. of survey data on the diversity, distribution, abundance, and habitat association of mayflies in New England and Atlantic Canada. From these records the regional species pool is estimated (~216 species). Rare/Little [R/L] known assemblage is estimated (~77 species, 36% of  regional pool). Habitat types associated with  R/L taxa that could represent critical core habitats for the maintenance regional and subregional diversity are presented. Geopolitical subregion diversity is summarized and updated – CT, NB, NH, and ME have highest subregional diversity. Unexplained variation indicates potentially new species in 6 families. All current evidence underscores the complex and dynamic nature of the regional species pool, which includes the possible range expansion of Parameletus midas.



Web Page: Mayflies, Diversity, Northeast

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