Habitat and benthic community correlates of Epeorus longimanus (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae) microdistribution in a Colorado, USA, stream riffle

Abstract Little is known about the ecology of early instars of most aquatic insects, particularly their associations with microhabitat (<1 m2) features, such as sediment size distributions, other abiotic parameters, and the overall invertebrate community. This study sought to explore correlations between various biotic and abiotic parameters of a southern Colorado stream and the presence of early instars of Epeorus longimanus (Eaton) (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae). A total of 18 samples collected in 2007 and 2013 using a Hess sampler in riffle habitats were used to correlate the size of individuals with biological and abiotic characteristics of the stream, including sediment size, periphyton biomass, entrained organic matter, and the remainder of the benthic invertebrate community, all of which were measured using material from within the sampler. Results from both years showed that early instars of E. longimanus were more likely to be found in areas with smaller sediment sizes, higher live periphyton biomass (but lower overall organic matter), and lower densities of invertebrate predators.