Winter-Spring Depth Distribution of Chironomidae in a Southeastern Reservoir

Distribution and abundance of midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) along a water depth gradient were studied in thermal and ambient temperature areas of a reservoir in the southeastern United States. Benthic samples were taken at 10 depths (0.16-5 m) during the winter and spring of 1978. Density, genera richness, and genera diversity increased progressively from the shore line to moderately shallow depths (1-2 m) and then decreased at greater depths. This pattern of benthos distribution in Par Pond is compared with those in other lentic systems. Causes for this pattern are multiple but probably relate to habitat complexity (vegetation) and substrate characteristics.