Dissertation Research: Patterns, Mechanisms and Consequences of Oviposition Behavior for Recruitment of the Mayfly, Baetis Bicaudatus

Cornell Univ - State: Awds Made Prior May 2010, Ithaca NY

Investigators

Abstract

Recruitment determines the initial density of populations, and may thereby critically influence their abundance. Little is known about recruitment of aquatic insects and its influence on the abundance of larvae. We combine surveys, mechanistic and large-scale experiments in natural streams to determine the patterns and mechanisms of recruitment of new individuals to populations of the mayfly Baetis bicaudatus, and how small and large scale variation in recruitment interact to influence abundance of larvae. Methods include observations of patterns of oviposition, and field experiments to understand the mechanisms and fitness consequences of oviposition behavior. Extensive surveys relate patterns of recruitment to temporal and spatial variation in mayfly larval abundance. A large-scale field experiment manipulating the availability of oviposition sites in 12 natural streams will test whether populations of Baetis larvae are recruitment limited. This proposal will make significant and unique contributions to the understanding of recruitment of aquatic insect populations, and its influence on subsequent insect abundance. Proposed research will also generate models for predicting how mechanisms (i.e. oviposition behavior) affect patterns of populations at local and regional scales. Furthermore, it will provide a foundation for understanding population dynamics of aquatic insects important to designing realistic and relevant conservation programs.