Investigations of physical and chemical properties affecting caddisfly density.

Abstract

Caddisflies of the order Trichoptera, construct cases in the pupae stage made of silk and materials found in streambeds. These cases can reside in a variety of freshwater habitats. Because variation exists within these environments, this paper explores optimal conditions for caddisfly larvae by comparing density of cases to several variables. These variables included: flow rate, depth, temperature, nutrient levels, and pH. In our results, nutrient and pH data were inconclusive, while shallower, colder, slower moving waters favored higher caddisfly density.