Effects of stream permanence on stonefly (Insecta, Plecoptera) community structure at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA

Stonefly communities at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA, exhibit significant differences based on stream permanence. The study found that 88% of the 34 stonefly species collected had univoltine-fast life cycles and 79% likely experienced extended egg or larval diapause, enabling survival in intermittent habitats. Spring runs, spring seeps, and summer dry streams harbored distinct assemblages compared to upland perennial streams, with larger lotic system species filtered out due to habitat limitations. The research employed a 14-month sampling regime (December 2018–November 2019) across 45 sites, including both adult and larval collections, to assess these patterns.

McRoberts, T., & Grubbs, S. (2021). Effects of stream permanence on stonefly (Insecta, Plecoptera) community structure at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA. Biodiversity Data Journal, 9. https://doi.org/10.3897/bdj.9.e62242