Jump to main content or area navigation.

Contact Us

Water: Bioassessment

Chapter 7: Benthic Macroinvertebrate Protocols


This Chapter is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B (this file).

7.3 LABORATORY PROCESSING FOR MACROINVERTEBRATE SAMPLES

Macroinvertebrate samples collected by either intensive method, i.e., single habitat or multihabitat, are best processed in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Aspects of laboratory processing include subsampling, sorting, and identification of organisms.

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE SAMPLE PROCESSING

  • log-in sheet for samples
  • standardized gridded pan (30 cm x 36 cm) with approximately 30 grids (6 cm x 6 cm)
  • 500 micron sieve
  • forceps
  • white plastic or enamel pan (15 cm x 23 cm) for sorting
  • specimen vials with caps or stoppers
  • sample labels
  • standard laboratory bench sheets for sorting and identification
  • dissecting microscope for organism identification
  • fiber optics light source
  • compound microscope with phase contrast for identification of mounted organisms (e.g., midges)
  • 70% ethanol for storage of specimens
  • appropriate taxonomic keys

All samples should be dated and recorded in the "Sample Log" notebook or on sample log form (Appendix A-3, Form 2) upon receipt by laboratory personnel. All information from the sample container label should be included on the sample log sheet. If more than one container was used, the number of containers should be indicated as well. All samples should be sorted in a single laboratory to enhance quality control.

7.3.1 Subsampling and Sorting

Subsampling benthic samples is not a requirement, and in fact, is frowned upon by certain scientists. Courtemanch (1996) provides an argument against subsampling, or to use a volume-based procedure if samples are to be subsampled. Vinson and Hawkins (1996) and Barbour and Gerritsen (1996) provide arguments for a fixed-count method, which is the preferred subsampling technique for RBPs.

Subsampling reduces the effort required for the sorting and identification aspects of macroinvertebrate surveys and provides a more accurate estimate of time expenditure (Barbour and Gerritsen 1996). The RBPs use a fixed-count approach to subsampling and sorting the organisms from the sample matrix of detritus, sand, and mud. The following protocol is based on a 200-organism subsample, but it could be used for any subsample size (100, 300, 500, etc.). The subsample is sorted and preserved separately from the remaining sample for quality control checks.

  1. Prior to processing any samples in a lot (i.e., samples within a collection date, specific watershed, or project), complete the sample log-in sheet to verify that all samples have arrived at the laboratory, and are in proper condition for processing.
  2. Thoroughly rinse sample in a 500 µm-mesh sieve to remove preservative and fine sediment. Large organic material (whole leaves, twigs, algal or macrophyte mats, etc.) not removed in the field should be rinsed, visually inspected, and discarded. If the samples have been preserved in alcohol, it will be necessary to soak the sample contents in water for about 15 minutes to hydrate the benthic organisms, which will prevent them from floating on the water surface during sorting. If the sample was stored in more than one container, the contents of all containers for a given sample should be combined at this time. Gently mix the sample by hand while rinsing to make homogeneous.

SUBSAMPLE PROCEDURE MODIFICATIONS

Subsampling procedures developed by Hilsenhoff (1987) and modified by Plafkin et al. (1989) were used in the original RBP II and RBP III protocols. As an improvement to the mechanics of the technique, Caton (1991) designed a sorting tray consisting of two parts, a rectangular plastic or plexiglass pan (36 cm x 30 cm) with a rectangular sieve insert. The sample is placed on the sieve, in the pan and dispersed evenly.

When a random grid(s) is selected, the sieve is lifted to temporarily drain the water. A "cookie-cutter" like metal frame 6 cm x 6 cm is used to clearly define the selected grid; debris overhanging the grid may be cut with scissors. A 6 cm flat scoop is used to remove all debris and organisms from the grid. The contents are then transferred to a separate sorting pan with water for removal of macroinvertebrates.

These modifications have allowed for rapid isolation of organisms within the selected grids and easy removal of all organisms and debris within a grid while eliminating investigator bias.

  1. After washing, spread the sample evenly across a pan marked with grids approximately 6 cm x 6 cm. On the laboratory bench sheet, note the presence of large or obviously abundant organisms; do not remove them from the pan. However, Vinson and Hawkins (1996) present an argument for including these large organisms in the count, because of the high probability that these organisms will be excluded from the targeted grids.
  2. Use a random numbers table to select 4 numbers corresponding to squares (grids) within the gridded pan. Remove all material (organisms and debris) from the four grid squares, and place the material into a shallow white pan and add a small amount of water to facilitate sorting. If there appear (through a cursory count or observation) to be 200 organisms ± 20% (cumulative of 4 grids), then subsampling is complete.

    Any organism that is lying over a line separating two grids is considered to be on the grid containing its head. In those instances where it may not be possible to determine the location of the head (worms for instance), the organism is considered to be in the grid containing most of its body.

    If the density of organisms is high enough that many more than 200 organisms are contained in the 4 grids, transfer the contents of the 4 grids to a second gridded pan. Randomly select grids for this second level of sorting as was done for the first, sorting grids one at a time until 200 organisms ± 20% are found. If picking through the entire next grid is likely to result in a subsample of greater than 240 organisms, then that grid may be subsampled in the same manner as before to decrease the likelihood of exceeding 240 organisms. That is, spread the contents of the last grid into another gridded pan. Pick grids one at a time until the desired number is reached. The total number of grids for each subsorting level should be noted on the laboratory bench sheet.
tbox0701
  1. Save the sorted debris residue in a separate container. Add a label that includes the words "sorted residue" in addition to all prior sample label information and preserve in 95% ethanol. Save the remaining unsorted sample debris residue in a separate container labeled "sample residue"; this container should include the original sample label. Length of storage and archival is determined by the laboratory or benthic section supervisor.
  2. Place the sorted 200-organism (± 20%) subsample into glass vials, and preserve in 70% ethanol. Label the vials inside with the sample identifier or lot number, date, stream name, sampling location and taxonomic group. If more than one vial is needed, each should be labeled separately and numbered (e.g., 1 of 2, 2 of 2). For convenience in reading the labels inside the vials, insert the labels left-edge first. If identification is to occur immediately after sorting, a petri dish or watch glass can be used instead of vials.
  3. Midge (Chironomidae) larvae and pupae should be mounted on slides in an appropriate medium (e.g., Euperal, CMC-9); slides should be labeled with the site identifier, date collected, and the first initial and last name of the collector. As with midges, worms (Oligochaeta) must also be mounted on slides and should be appropriately labeled.
  4. Fill out header information on Laboratory Bench Sheet as in field sheets (see Chapter 5). Also check subsample target number. Complete back of sheet for subsampling/sorting information. Note number of grids picked, time expenditure, and number of organisms. If QC check was performed on a particular sample, person conducting QC should note findings on the back of the Laboratory Bench Sheet. Calculate sorting efficiency to determine whether sorting effort passes or fails.
  5. Record date of sorting and slide monitoring, if applicable, on Log-In Sheet as documentation of progress and status of completion of sample lot.

QUALITY CONTROL (QC) FOR SORTING

  1. Ten percent of the sorted samples in each lot should be examined by laboratory QC personnel or a qualified co-worker. (A lot is defined as a special study, basin study, entire index period, or individual sorter.) The QC worker will examine the grids chosen and tray used for sorting and will look for organisms missed by the sorter. Organisms found will be added to the sample vials. If the QC worker finds less than 10 organisms (or 10% in larger subsamples) remaining in the grids or sorting tray, the sample passes; if more than 10 (or 10%) are found, the sample fails. If the first 10% of the sample lot fails, a second 10% of the sample lot will be checked by the QC worker. Sorters in-training will have their samples 100% checked until the trainer decides that training is complete.
  2. After laboratory processing is complete for a given sample, all sieves, pans, trays, etc., that have come in contact with the sample will be rinsed thoroughly, examined carefully, and picked free of organisms or debris; organisms found will be added to the sample residue.
7.3.2 Identification of Macroinvertebrates

Taxonomy can be at any level, but should be done consistently among samples. In the original RBPs, two levels of identification were suggested -- family (RBP II) and genus/species (RBP III) (Plafkin et al. 1989). Genus/species provides more accurate information on ecological/ environmental relationships and sensitivity to impairment. Family level provides a higher degree of precision among samples and taxonomists, requires less expertise to perform, and accelerates assessment results. In either case, only those taxonomic keys that have been peer-reviewed and are available to other taxonomists should be used. Unnamed species (i.e., species A, B, 1, or 2) may be ecologically informative, but may be inconsistently handled among taxonomists and will, thus, contribute to variability when a statewide database is being developed.

  1. Most organisms are identified to the lowest practical level (generally genus or species) by a qualified taxonomist using a dissecting microscope. Midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) are mounted on slides in an appropriate medium and identified using a compound microscope. Each taxon found in a sample is recorded and enumerated in a laboratory bench notebook and then transcribed to the laboratory bench sheet for subsequent reports. Any difficulties encountered during identification (e.g., missing gills) are noted on these sheets.
  2. Labels with specific taxa names (and the taxonomist's initials) are added to the vials of specimens by the taxonomist. (Note that individual specimens may be extracted from the sample to be included in a reference collection or to be verified by a second taxonomist.) Slides are initialed by the identifying taxonomist. A separate label may be added to slides to include the taxon (taxa) name(s) for use in a voucher or reference collection.
  3. Record the identity and number of organisms on the Laboratory Bench Sheet (Appendix A-3, Form 3). Either a tally counter or "slash" marks on the bench sheet can be used to keep track of the cumulative count. Also, record the life stage of the organisms, the taxonomist's initials and the Taxonomic Certainty Rating (TCR) as a measure of confidence.
  4. Use the back of the bench sheet to explain certain TCR ratings or condition of organisms. Other comments can be included to provide additional insights for data interpretation. If QC was performed, record on the back of the bench sheet.
  5. For archiving samples, specimen vials, (grouped by station and date), are placed in jars with a small amount of denatured 70% ethanol and tightly capped. The ethanol level in these jars must be examined periodically and replenished as needed, before ethanol loss from the specimen vials takes place. A stick-on label is placed on the outside of the jar indicating sample identifier, date, and preservative (denatured 70% ethanol).

QUALITY CONTROL (QC) FOR TAXONOMY

  1. A voucher collection of all samples and subsamples should be maintained. These specimens should be properly labeled, preserved, and stored in the laboratory for future reference. A taxonomist (the reviewer) not responsible for the original identifications should spot check samples corresponding to the identifications on the bench sheet.
  2. The reference collection of each identified taxon should also be maintained and verified by a second taxonomist. The word "val." and the 1stinitial and last name of the person validating the identification should be added to the vial label. Specimens sent out for taxonomic validations should be recorded in a "Taxonomy Validation Notebook" showing the label information and the date sent out. Upon return of the specimens, the date received and the finding should also be recorded in the notebook along with the name of the person who performed the validation.
  3. Information on samples completed (through the identification process) will be recorded in the "sample log" notebook to track the progress of each sample within the sample lot. Tracking of each sample will be updated as each step is completed (i.e., subsampling and sorting, mounting of midges and worms, taxonomy).
  4. A library of basic taxonomic literature is essential in aiding identification of specimens and should be maintained (and updated as needed) in the taxonomic laboratory (see attached list). Taxonomists should participate in periodic training on specific taxonomic groups to ensure accurate identifications.
7.4 BENTHIC METRICS

Benthic metrics have undergone evolutionary developments and are documented in the Invertebrate Community Index (ICI) (DeShon 1995), RBPs (Shackleford 1988, Plafkin et al. 1989, Barbour et al. 1992, 1995, 1996b, Hayslip 1993, Smith and Voshell 1997), and the benthic IBI (Kerans and Karr 1994, Fore et al. 1996). Metrics used in these indices evaluate aspects of both elements and processes within the macroinvertebrate assemblage. Although these indices have been regionally developed, they are typically appropriate over wide geographic areas with minor modification (Barbour et al. 1995).

The process for testing the efficacy and calibrating the metrics is described in Chapter 9. While the candidate metrics described here are ecologically sound, they may require testing on a regional basis. Those metrics that are most effective are those that have a response across a range of human influence (Fore et al. 1996, Karr and Chu 1999). Resh and Jackson (1993) tested the ability of 20 benthic metrics used in 30 different assessment protocols to discriminate between impaired and minimally impaired sites in California. The most effective measures, from their study, were the richness measures, 2 community indices (Margalef's and Hilsenhoff's family biotic index), and a functional feeding group metric (percent scrapers). Resh and Jackson emphasized that both the measures (metrics) and protocols need to be calibrated for different regions of the country, and, perhaps, for different impact types (stressors). In a study of 28 invertebrate metrics, Kerans and Karr 1994 demonstrated significant patterns for 18 metrics and used 13 in their final B-IBI (Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity). Richness measures were useful as were selected trophic and dominance metrics. One of the unique features of the fish IBI presently lacking in benthic indices is the ability to incorporate metrics on individual condition, although measures evaluating chironomid larvae deformities have recently been advocated (Lenat 1993).

Four studies that were published from 1995 through 1997 serve as a basis for the most appropriate candidates for metrics, because the metrics were tested in detail in these studies (DeShon 1995, Barbour et al. 1996b, Fore et al. 1996, Smith and Voshell 1997). These metrics have been evaluated for the ability to distinguish impairment and are recommended as the most likely to be useful in other regions of the country (Table 7-1). Other metrics that are currently in use in various states are listed in Table 7-2 and may be applicable for testing as alternatives or additions to the list in Table 7-1.

Taxa richness, or the number of distinct taxa, represents the diversity within a sample. Use of taxa richness as a key metric in a multimetric index include the ICI (DeShon 1995), the fish IBI (Karr et al. 1986), the benthic IBI (Kerans et al. 1992, Kerans and Karr 1994), and RBP's (Plafkin et al. 1989, Barbour et al. 1996b). Taxa richness usually consists of species level identifications but can also be evaluated as designated groupings of taxa, often as higher taxonomic groups (i.e., genera, families, orders, etc.) in assessment of invertebrate assemblages. Richness measures reflect the diversity of the aquatic assemblage (Resh et al. 1995). The expected response to increasing perturbation is summarized, as an example, in Table 7-2. Increasing diversity correlates with increasing health of the assemblage and suggests that niche space, habitat, and food source are adequate to support survival and propagation of many species. Number of taxa measures the overall variety of the macroinvertebrate assemblage. No identities of major taxonomic groups are derived from the total taxa metric, but the elimination of taxa from a naturally diverse system can be readily detected. Subsets of "total" taxa richness are also used to accentuate key indicator groupings of organisms. Diversity or variety of taxa within these groups are good indications of the ability of the ecosystem to support varied taxa. Certain indices that focus on a pair-wise site comparison are also included in this richness category.

Table 7-1. Definitions of best candidate benthic metrics and predicted direction of metric response to increasing perturbation (compiled from DeShon 1995, Barbour et al. 1996b, Fore et al. 1996, Smith and Voshell 1997).

Category Metric Definition Predicted response to increasing perturbation
Richness measures Total No. taxa Measures the overall variety of the macroinvertebrate assemblage Decrease
No. EPT taxa Number of taxa in the insect orders Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies), and Trichoptera (caddisflies) Decrease
No. Ephemeroptera Taxa Number of mayfly taxa (usually genus or species level) Decrease
No. Plecoptera Taxa Number of stonefly taxa (usually genus of species level) Decrease
No. Trichoptera Taxa Number of caddisfly taxa (usually genus or species level) Decrease
Composition measures % EPT Percent of the composite of mayfly, stonefly, and caddisfly larvae Decrease
% Ephemeroptera Percent of mayfly nymphs Decrease
Tolerance/Intolerance measures No. of Intolerant Taxa Taxa richness of those organisms considered to be sensitive to perturbation Decrease
% Tolerant Organisms Percent of macrobenthos considered to be tolerant of various types of perturbation Increase
% Dominant Taxon Measures the dominance of the single most abundant taxon. Can be calculated as dominant 2, 3, 4, or 5 taxa. Increase
Feeding measures % Filterers Percent of the macrobenthos that filter FPOM from either the water column or sediment Variable
% Grazers and Scrapers Percent of the macrobenthos that scrape or graze upon periphyton Decrease
Habit measures Number of Clinger Taxa Number of taxa of insects Decrease
% Clingers Percent of insects having fixed retreats or adaptations for attachment to surfaces in flowing water. Decrease

Composition measures can be characterized by several classes of information, i.e., the identity, key taxa, and relative abundance. Identity is the knowledge of individual taxa and associated ecological patterns and environmental requirements (Barbour et al. 1995). Key taxa (i.e., those that are of special interest or ecologically important) provide information that is important to the condition of the targeted assemblage. The presence of exotic or nuisance species may be an important aspect of biotic interactions that relate to both identity and sensitivity. Measures of composition (or relative abundance) provide information on the make-up of the assemblage and the relative contribution of the populations to the total fauna (Table 7-2). Relative, rather than absolute, abundance is used because the relative contribution of individuals to the total fauna (a reflection of interactive principles) is more informative than abundance data on populations without a knowledge of the interaction among taxa (Plafkin et al. 1989, Barbour et al. 1995). The premise is that a healthy and stable assemblage will be relatively consistent in its proportional representation, though individual abundances may vary in magnitude. Percentage of the dominant taxon is a simple measure of redundancy (Plafkin et al. 1989). A high level of redundancy is equated with the dominance of a pollution tolerant organism and a lowered diversity. Several diversity indices, which are measures of information content and incorporate both richness and evenness in their formulas, may function as viable metrics in some cases, but are usually redundant with taxa richness and % dominance (Barbour et al. 1996b).

 

Table 7-2. Definitions of additional potential benthic metrics and predicted direction of metric response to increasing perturbation.

Category Metric Definition Predicted response to increasing perturbation References
Richness measures No. Pteronarcys species The presence or absence of a long-lived stonefly genus (2-3 year life cycle) Decrease Fore et al. 1996
No. Diptera taxa Number of "true" fly taxa, which includes midges Decrease DeShon 1995
No. Chironomidae taxa Number of taxa of chironomid (midge) larvae Decrease Hayslip 1993, Barbour et al. 1996b
Composition measures % Plecoptera Percent of stonefly nymphs Decrease Barbour et al. 1994
% Trichoptera Percent of caddisfly larvae Decrease DeShon 1995
% Diptera Percent of all "true" fly larvae Increase Barbour et al. 1996b
% Chironomidae Percent of midge larvae Increase Barbour et al. 1994
% Tribe Tanytarsini Percent of Tanytarisinid midges to total fauna Decrease DeShon 1995
% Other Diptera and noninsects Composite of those organisms generally considered to be tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions Increase DeShon 1995
% Corbicula Percent of asiatic clam in the benthic assemblage Increase Kerans and Karr 1994
% Oligochaeta Percent of aquatic worms Variable Kerans and Karr 1994
Tolerance/Intolerance measures No. Intol. Snail and Mussel species Number of species of molluscs generally thought to be pollution intolerant Decrease Kerans and Karr 1994
% Sediment Tolerant organisms Percent of infaunal macrobenthos tolerant of perturbation Increase Fore et al. 1996
Hilsenhoff Biotic Index Uses tolerance values to weight abundance in an estimate of overall pollution. Originally designed to evaluate organic pollution Increase Barbour et al. 1992, Hayslip 1993, Kerans and Karr 1994
Florida Index Weighted sum of intolerant taxa, which are classed as 1 (least tolerant) or 2 (intolerant). Florida Index = 2 X Class 1 taxa + Class 2 taxa Decrease Barbour et al. 1996b
% Hydropsychidae to Trichoptera Relative abundance of pollution tolerant caddisflies (metric could also be regarded as a composition measure) Increase Barbour et al. 1992, Hayslip 1993
Feeding measures % Omnivores and Scavengers Percent of generalists in feeding strategies Increase Kerans and Karr 1994
% Ind. Gatherers and Filterers Percent of collector feeders of CPOM and FPOM Variable Kerans and Karr 1994
% Gatherers Percent of the macrobenthos that "gather" Variable Barbour et al. 1996b
% Predators Percent of the predator functional feeding group. Can be made restrictive to exclude omnivores Variable Kerans and Karr 1994
% Shredders Percent of the macrobenthos that "shreds" leaf litter Decrease Barbour et al. 1992, Hayslip 1993
Life cycle measures % Multivoltine Percent of organisms having short (several per year) life cycle Increase Barbour et al. 1994
% Univoltine Percent of organisms relatively long-lived (life cycles of 1 or more years) Decrease Barbour et al. 1994

Tolerance/Intolerance measures are intended to be representative of relative sensitivity to perturbation and may include numbers of pollution tolerant and intolerant taxa or percent composition (Barbour et al. 1995). Tolerance is generally non-specific to the type of stressor. However, some metrics such as the Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI) (Hilsenhoff 1987, 1988) are oriented toward detection of organic pollution; the Biotic Condition Index (Winget and Mangum 1979) is useful for evaluating sedimentation. The Florida Index (Ross and Jones 1979) is a weighted sum of intolerant taxa (insects and crustaceans) found at a site (Beck 1965) and functions similarly to the HBI (Hilsenhoff 1987) used in other parts of the country. The tolerance/intolerance measures can be independent of taxonomy or can be specifically tailored to taxa that are associated with pollution tolerances. For example, both the percent of Hydropsychidae to total Trichoptera and percent Baetidae to total Ephemeroptera are estimates of evenness within these insect orders that generally are considered to be sensitive to pollution. As these families (i.e., Hydropsychidae and Baetidae) increase in relative abundance, effects of pollution (usually organic) also increase. Density (number of individuals per some unit of area) is a universal measure used in all kinds of biological studies. Density can be classified with the trophic measures because it is an element of production; however, it is difficult to interpret because it requires careful quantification and is not monotonic in its response (i.e., density can either decrease or increase in response to pollution) and is usually linked to tolerance measures.

Feeding measures or trophic dynamics encompass functional feeding groups and provide information on the balance of feeding strategies (food acquisition and morphology) in the benthic assemblage. Examples involve the feeding orientation of scrapers, shredders, gatherers, filterers, and predators. Trophic dynamics (food types) are also included here and include the relative abundance of herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and detritivores. Without relatively stable food dynamics, an imbalance in functional feeding groups will result, reflecting stressed conditions. Trophic metrics are surrogates of complex processes such as trophic interaction, production, and food source availability (Karr et al. 1986, Cummins et al. 1989, Plafkin et al. 1989). Specialized feeders, such as scrapers, piercers, and shredders, are the more sensitive organisms and are thought to be well represented in healthy streams. Generalists, such as collectors and filterers, have a broader range of acceptable food materials than specialists (Cummins and Klug 1979), and thus are more tolerant to pollution that might alter availability of certain food. However, filter feeders are also thought to be sensitive in low-gradient streams (Wallace et al. 1977). The usefulness of functional feeding measures for benthic macroinvertebrates has not been well demonstrated. Difficulties with the proper assignment to functional feeding groups has contributed to the inability to consider these reliable metrics (Karr and Chu 1997).

Habit measures are those that denote the mode of existence among the benthic macroinvertebrates. Morphological adaptation among the macroinvertebrate distinguishes the various mechanisms for maintaining position and moving about in the aquatic environment (Merritt et al. 1996). Habit categories include movement and positioning mechanisms such as skaters, planktonic, divers, swimmers, clingers, sprawlers, climbers, burrowers. Merritt et al. 1996 provide an overview of the habit of aquatic insects, which are the primary organisms used in these measures. Habit measures have been found to be more robust than functional feeding groups in some instances (Fore et al. 1996).

7.5 BIOLOGICAL RECONNAISSANCE (BioRecon) OR PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION SURVEY

FIELD EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE SAMPLING--BIORECON

  • standard D-frame dip net, 500 µ opening mesh, 0.3 meter width (~ 1.0 ft frame width)
  • sieve bucket, with 500 µ opening mesh
  • 95% ethanol
  • sample containers
  • sample container labels
  • forceps
  • field data sheets* , pencils, clipboard
  • first aid kit
  • waders (chest-high or hip boots), rubber gloves (arm-length)
  • camera
  • Global Positioning System (GPS) Unit

* It is helpful to copy fieldsheets onto water-resistant paper for use in wet weather conditions

The use of biological survey techniques can serve as a screening tool for problem identification and/or prioritizing sites for further assessment, monitoring, or protection. The application of biological surveys in site reconnaissance is intended to be expedient, and, as such, requires an experienced and well-trained biologist. Expediency in this technique is to minimize time spent in the laboratory and with analysis. The "turn-around" time from the biosurvey to an interpretation of findings is intended to be relatively short. The BioRecon is useful in discriminating obviously impaired and non-impaired areas from potentially affected areas requiring further investigation. Use of the BioRecon allows rapid screening of a large number of sites. Areas identified for further study can then either be evaluated using more rigorous bioassessment methods for benthic macroinvertebrates and/or other assemblages, or ambient toxicity methods.

Because the BioRecon involves limited data generation, its effectiveness depends largely on the experience of the professional biologist performing the assessment. The professional biologist should have assessment experience, a knowledge of aquatic ecology, and basic expertise in benthic macroinvertebrate taxonomy.

The BioRecon presented here is refined and standardized from the original RBP I (Plafkin et al. 1989), and is based on the technique developed by Florida DEP (1996), from which the approach derives its name. This biosurvey approach is based on a multihabitat approach similar to the more rigorous technique discussed in Section 7.2. The most productive habitats, i.e., those that contain the greatest diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrates, are sampled in the BioRecon. As a general rule, impairment is judged by richness measures, thereby emphasizing the presence or absence of indicator taxa. Biological attributes such as the relative abundance of certain taxa may be less useful than richness measures in the BioRecon approach, because samples are processed more quickly and in a less standardized manner.

7.5.1 Sampling, Processing, and Analysis Procedures
  1. A 100 m reach representative of the characteristics of the stream should be selected. For the BioRecon, it is unlikely that the alternative reach designation approach (i.e., x times the stream width), will improve the resolution beyond a standard 100 m reach. Whenever possible, the area should be at least 100 meters upstream from any road or bridge crossing to minimize its effect on stream velocity, depth and overall habitat quality. There should be no major tributaries discharging to the stream in the study area.
  2. Before sampling, complete the "Physical Characterization/Water Quality Field Data Sheet" (Appendix A-1, Form 1) to document site description, weather conditions, and land use. After sampling, review this information for accuracy and completeness.
  3. The major habitat types (see 7.2.1 for habitat descriptions) represented in the reach are to be sampled for macroinvertebrates. A total of 4 jabs or kicks will be taken over the length of the reach. A minimum of 1 jab (or kick) is to be taken in each habitat. More than 1 jab may be desired in those habitats that are predominant. Habitat types contributing less than five percent of the stable habitat in the stream reach should not be sampled. Thus, allocate the remaining jabs proportionately among the predominant substrates. The number of jabs taken in each habitat type should be recorded on the field data sheet.
  4. Sampling begins at the downstream end of the reach and proceeds upstream. A total of four jabs or kicks will be taken over the length of the reach; a single jab consists of forcefully thrusting the net into a productive habitat for a linear distance of 0.5 m. A kick is a stationary sampling accomplished by positioning the net and disturbing the substrate for a distance of 0.5 m upstream of the net.
  5. The jabs or kicks collected from the multiple habitats will be composited into a sieve bucket to obtain a single homogeneous sample. If clogging occurs, discard the material in the net and redo that portion of the sample in the same habitat type but in a different location. Remove large debris after rinsing and inspecting it for organisms; place any organisms found into the sieve bucket.
  6. Return to the bank with the sampled material for sorting and organism identifications. Alternatively, the material can be preserved in alcohol and returned to the laboratory for processing (see Step 7 in Section 7.1.1 for instructions).
  7. Transfer the sample from the sieve bucket (or sample jar, if in laboratory) to a white enamel or plastic pan. A second, smaller, white pan may be used for the actual sorting. Place small aliquots of the detritus plus organisms in the smaller pan diluted with a minimal amount of site water (or tap water). Scan the detritus and water for organisms. When an organism is found, examine it with a hard lens, determine its identity to the lowest possible level (usually family or genus), and record it on the Preliminary Assessment Score Sheet (PASS) (Appendix A-3, Form 4) in the column labeled "tally." Place representatives of each taxon in a vial, properly labeled and containing alcohol.
  8. If field identifications are conducted, verify in the lab and make appropriate changes for misidentifications.
  9. Analysis is done by determining the value of each metric and comparing to a predetermined value for the associated stream class. These value thresholds should be sufficiently conservative so that "good" conditions or non-impairment is verified. Sites with metric values below the threshold(s) are considered "suspect" of impairment and may warrant further investigation. These simple calculations can be done directly on the PASS sheet.

QUALITY CONTROL (QC)

  1. Sample labels must be properly completed, including the sample identification code date, stream name, sampling location, and collector's name and placed into the sample container. The outside of the container should be labeled with the same information. Chain-of-custody forms, if needed, must include the same information as the sample container labels.
  2. After sampling has been completed at a given site, all nets, pans, etc. that have come in contact with the sample will be rinsed thoroughly, examined carefully, and picked free of organisms or debris. Any additional organisms found should be placed into the sample containers. The equipment should be examined again prior to use at the next sampling site.
  3. A second biologist familiar with the recognition and taxonomy of the organisms should check the sample to ensure all taxa are encountered and documented.
7.6 TAXONOMIC REFERENCES FOR MACROINVERTEBRATES

The following references are provided as a list of taxonomic references currently being used around the United States for identification of benthic macroinvertebrates. Any of these references cited in the text of this document will also be found in Chapter 11 (Literature Cited).

Allen, R.K. 1978. The nymphs of North and Central American Leptohyphes. Entomological Society of America 71(4):537-558.

Allen, R.K. and G.F. Edmunds. 1965. A revision of the genus Ephemerella (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae). VIII. The subgenus Ephemerella in North America. Miscellaneous Publications of the Entomological Society of America 4:243-282.

Allen, R.K. and G.F. Edmunds. 1963. A revision of the genus Ephemerella (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae). VI. The subgenus Seratella in North America. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 56:583-600.

Allen, R.K. and G.F. Edmunds. 1963. A revision of the genus Ephemerella (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae). VII. The subgenus Eurylophella. Canadian Entomologist 95:597-623.

Allen, R.K. and G.F. Edmunds. 1962. A revision of the genus Ephemerella (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae). V. The subgenus Drunella in North America. Miscellaneous Publications of the Entomological Society of America 3:583-600.

Allen, R.K. and G.F. Edmunds. 1961. A revision of the genus Ephemerella (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae). III. The subgenus Attenuatella. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 34:161-173.

Allen, R.K. and G.F. Edmunds. 1961. A revision of the genus Ephemerella (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae). II. The subgenus Caudatella. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 54:603-612.

Allen, R.K. and G.F. Edmunds. 1959. A revision of the genus Ephemerella (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae). I. The subgenus Timpanoga. The Canadian Entomologist 91:51-58.

Anderson, N.H. 1976. The distribution and biology of the Oregon Trichoptera. Oregon Agricultural Experimental Station Technical Bulletin 134:1-152.

Barr, C.B. and J.B. Chapin. 1988. The Aquatic Dryopoidea of Louisiana (Coleoptera:Psepheniae, Dryopidae, Elmidae). Tulane Studies in Zoology and Botany 26:89-164.

Baumann, R.W. 1975. Revision of the Stonefly Family Nemouridae (Plecoptera): A Study of the World Fauna at the Generic Level. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 211. 74 pp.

Baumann, R.W., A.R. Gaufin, and R.F. Surdick. 1977. The stoneflies (Plecoptera) of the Rocky Mountains. Memoirs of the American Entomological Society 31:1-208.

Beck, E.C. 1962. Five new Chironomidae (Diptera) from Florida. Florida Entomologist 45:89-92.

Beck, W.M., Jr. and E.C. Beck. 1970. The immature stages of some Chironomini (Chironomidae). Quarterly Journal of the Academy of Biological Science 33:29-42.

Beck, E.C. and W.M. Beck, Jr. 1969. Chironomidae (Diptera) of Florida. III. The Harnischia complex (Chironomidae). Bulletin of the Florida State Museum of Biological Sciences 13:277-313.

Beck, W.M. and E.C. Beck. 1964. New Chironomidae from Florida. Florida Entomologist. 47:201-207.

Beck, W.M., Jr. and E.C. Beck. 1966. Chironomidae (Diptera) of Florida. I. Pentaneurini (Tanypodinae). Bulletin of the Florida State Museum 10: 305-379.

Bednarik, A.F. and W.P. McCafferty. 1979. Biosystematic revision of the genus Stenonema (Ephemeroptera:Heptageniidae). Canadian Bulletin of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 201:1-73.

Bergman, E.A. and W.L. Hilsenhoff. 1978. Baetis (Ephemeroptera:Baetidae) of Wisconsin. The Great Lakes Entomologist 11:125-35.

Berner, L. 1977. Distributional patterns of southeastern mayflies (Ephemeroptera). Bulletin of the Florida State Museum of Biological Sciences 22:1-55.

Berner, L. 1975. The Mayfly Family Leptophlebiidae in the Southeastern United States. The Florida Entomologist 58:137-156.

Berner, L. 1956. The genus neoephemera in North America (Ephemeroptera:Neoephemeridae). Entomological Society of America 49:33-42.

Berner, L. and M.L. Pescador. 1988. The Mayflies of Florida. University Presses of Florida. Pp. 415.

Boesel, M.W. 1985. A brief review of the genus Polypedilum in Ohio, with keys to the known stages of species occuring in Northeastern United States (Diptera:Chironomidae). Ohio Journal of Science 85:245-262.

Boesel, M.W. 1983. A review of the genus Cricotopus in Ohio, with a key to adults of species in the northeastern United States (Diptera:Chironomidae). Ohio Journal of Science 83:74-90.

Boesel, M.W. 1974. Observations on the Coelotanypodini of the northeastern states, with keys to the known stages (Diptera: Chironomidae: Tanypodinae). Journal of the Kansas Entomology Society 47:417-432.

Boesel, M.W. 1972. The early stages of Ablabesmyia annulata (Say) (Diptera:Chironomidae). Ohio Journal of Science 72:170-173.

Boesel, M.W. and R.W. Winner. 1980. Corynoneurinae of Northeastern United States, with a key to adults and observations on their occurrence in Ohio (Diptera:Chironomidae). Journal of the Kansas Entomology Society 53:501-508.

Brigham, A.R., W.U. Brigham, and A. Gnilka (eds.). 1982. Aquatic insects and Oligochaetes of North and South Carolina. Midwest Aquatic Enterprises, Mahomet, IL.

Brinkhurst, R.O. 1986. Guide to the freshwater microdrile Oligochaetes of North America. Canada Special Publications Fisheries Aquatic Science 84:1-259.

Brinkhurst, R.O. and B.G.M. Jamieson. 1971. Aquatic Oligochaeta of the World. Univ. Toronto Press, 860 pp.

Brittain, J.E. 1982. Biology of Mayflies. Annual Review of Entomology 27:119-147.

Brown, H.P. 1987. Biology of riffle beetles. Annual Review of Entomology 32:253-273.

Brown, H.P. 1976. Aquatic dryopoid beetles (Coleoptera) of the United States. USEPA. Water Pollution Control Research Series 18050 ELD04/72.

Brown, H.P. 1972. Aquatic dryopoid beetles (Coleoptera) of the United States. Biota of freshwater ecosystems identification manual no. 6. Water Pollution Control Research Series, EPA, Washington, D.C.

Brown, H.P. and D.S. White. 1978. Notes on Separation and Identification of North American Riffle Beetles (Coleoptera:Dryopoidea:Elmidae). Entomological News 89:1-13.

Burch, J.B. 1982. Freshwater snails (Mollusca: Gastropoda) of North America. EPA-600/3-82-026. USEPA, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Burch, J.B. 1972. Freshwater sphaeriacean clams (Mollusca: Pelecypoda) of North America. EPA Biota of freshwater ecosystems identification manual No. 3. Water Pollution Control Research Series, EPA, Washington, DC.

Caldwell, B.A. 1986. Description of the immature stages and adult female of Unniella multivirga Saether (Diptera: Chironomidae) with comments on phylogeny. Aquatic Insects 8:217-222.

Caldwell, B.A. 1985. Paracricotopus millrockensis, a new species of Orthocladiinae (Diptera: Chironomidae) from the southeastern United States. Brimleyana 11:161-168.

Caldwell, B.A. 1984. Two new species and records of other chironomids from Georgia (Diptera: Chironomidae) with some observations on ecology. Georgia Journal of Science 42:81-96.

Caldwell, B.A. and A.R. Soponis. 1982. Hudsonimyia parrishi, a new species of Tanypodinae (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Georgia. Florida Entomologist 65:506-513.

Carle, F.L. 1978. A New Species of Ameletus (Ephemeroptera:Siphlonuriae) from Western Virginia. Entomological Society of America 71:581-584.

Carle, F.L. and P.A. Lewis. 1978. A new species of Stenonema (Ephemeroptera:Heptageniidae) from Eastern North America. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 71:285-288.

Clark, W. 1996. Literature pertaining to the identification and distribution of aquatic macroinvertebrates of the Western U.S. with emphasis on Idaho. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Environmental Quality, Boise, Idaho.

Cranston, P.S. 1982. A key to the larvae of the British Orthocladiinae (Chironomidae). Freshwater Biological Association Scientific Publication No. 45:1-152.

Cranston, P.S. and D.D. Judd. 1987. Metriocnemus (Diptera: Chironomidae)-an ecological survey and description of a new species. Journal New York Entomology Society 95:534-546.

Cummins, K.W. and M.A. Wilzbach. 1985. Field Procedures for Analysis of Functional Feeding Groups of Stream Macroinvertebrates. Contribution 1611. Appalachian Environmental Laboratory, University of Maryland, Frostburg, Maryland.

Davis, J.R. 1982. New records of aquatic Oligochaeta from Texas, with observations on their ecological characteristics. Hydrobiologia 96:15-29.

Edmunds, G.F. and R.K. Allen. 1964. The Rocky Mountain species of Epeorus (Iron) Eaton (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae). Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society. 37:275-288.

Edmunds, G.F., Jr., S.L. Jensen, and L. Berner. 1976. The mayflies of North and Central America. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis.

Epler, J.H. 1988. Biosystematics of the genus Dicrotendipes Kieffer, 1913 (Diptera: Chironomidae: Chironominae) of the world. Memoirs of the American Entomology Society 36:1-214.

Epler, J.H. 1987. Revision of the nearctic Dicrotendipes Kieffer, 1913 (Diptera: Chironomidae). Evolutionary Monographs: 1-101.

Etnier, D.A. and G.A. Schuster. 1979. An annotated list of Trichoptera (Caddisflies) of Tennessee. Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Science 54:15-22.

Faulkner, G.M. and D.C. Tarter. 1977. Mayflies, or Ephemeroptera, of West Virginia with emphasis on the nymphal stage. Entomological News 88:202-206.

Ferrington, L.C. 1987. Collection and identification of floating exuviae of Chironomidae for use in studies of surface water quality. SOP No. FW 130A. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region VII, Kansas City, Kansas.

Flint, O.S. 1984. The genus Brachycentrus in North America, with a proposed phylogeny of the genera of Brachycentridae (Trichoptera). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology.

Flint, O.S. Jr. 1964. Notes on some nearctic Psychomyiidae with special reference to their larvae (Trichoptera). Proceeding of the United States National Museum 115:467-481.

Flint, O.S. Jr. 1962. The immature stages of Paleagapetus celsus Ross (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae). Bulletin of the Brooklyn Entomological Society LVII:40-44.

Flint, O.S. Jr. 1962, Larvae of the caddis fly genus Rhyacophila in Eastern North America (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae). Proceedings of the United States National Museum 113:465-493.

Flint, O.S. Jr. 1960. Taxonomy and biology of nearctic limnephilid larvae (Trichoptera), with special reference to species in Eastern United States. Entomologicia Americana XL:1-117.

Flowers, R.W. 1980. Two new genera of nearctic Heptageniidae (Ephemeroptera). The Florida Entomologist. 63:296-307.

Flowers, R.W. and W.L. Hilsenhoff. 1975. Heptageniidae (Ephemeroptera) of Wisconsin. The Great Lakes Entomologist 8:201-218.

Floyd, M.A. 1995. Larvae of the caddisfly genus Oecetis (Trichoptera: Leptocerida) in North America. Bulletin of the Ohio Biological Survey.

Fullington, K.E. and K.W. Stewart. 1980. Nymphs of the stonefly genus Taeniopteryx (Plecoptera: Taeniopterygidae) of North America. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 53(2):237-259.

Givens, D.R. and S.D. Smith. 1980. A synopsis of the western Arctopsychinae (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae). Melanderia 35:1-24.

Grodhaus, G. 1987. Endochironmus Kieffer, Tribelos Townes, Synendotendipes, n. ge., and Endotribelos, n. gen. (Diptera: Chironomidae) of the nearctic region. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 60:167-247.

Hamilton, A.L. and O.A. Saether. 1969. A classification of the nearctic Chironomidae. Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada Technical Report 124:1-42.

Hatch, M.H. 1965. The beetles of the Pacific Northwest, Part IV, Macrodactyles, Palpicornes, and Heteromera. University of Washington Publications in Biology, Volume 16.

Hatch, M.H. 1953. The beetles of the Pacific Northwest, Part I, Introduction and Adephaga. University of Washington Publications in Biology, Volume 16.

Hilsenhoff, W.L. 1973. Notes on Dubiraphia (Coleoptera: Elmidae) with descriptions of five new species. Annals of the Entomolgical Society of America 66:55-61.

Hitchcock, S.W. 1974. Guide to the insects of Connecticut: Part VII. The Plecoptera or stoneflies of Connecticut. State Geological and Natural History Survey of Connecticut Bulletin 107:191-211.

Hobbs, H.H., Jr. 1981. The crayfishes of Georgia. Smithsonian Contribution in Zoology 318:1-549.

Hobbs, H.H., Jr. 1972. Crayfishes (Astacidae) of North and Middle America. Biota of freshwater ecosystems identification manual no. 9. Water Pollution Control Research Series, E.P.A., Washington, D.C.

Holsinger, J.R. 1972. The freshwater amphipod crustaceans (Gammaridae) of North America. Biota of freshwater ecosystems identification manual no. 5. Water Pollution Control Research Series, E.P.A., Washington, D.C.

Hudson, P.A. 1971. The Chironomidae (Diptera) of South Dakota. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Sciences 50:155-174.

Hudson, P.A., D.R. Lenat, B.A. Caldwell, and D. Smith. 1990. Chironomidae of the southeastern United States: a checklist of species and notes on biology, distribution, and habitat. Fish and Wildlife Research. 7:1-46.

Hudson, P.L., J.C.Morse, and J.R. Voshell. 1981. Larva and pupa of Cernotina spicata. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 74:516 -519

Jackson, G.A. 1977. Nearctic and palaearctic Paracladopelma Harnisch and Saetheria n.ge. (Diptera:Chironomidae). Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 34:1321-1359.

Jensen, S.L. 1966. The mayflies of Idaho. Unpublished Master's Thesis, University of Utah.

Kenk, R. 1972. Freshwater planarians (Turbellaria) of North America. Biota of freshwater ecosystems identification manual no. 1. Water Pollution Control Research Series, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

Kirchner, R.F. and B.C. Kondratieff. 1985. The nymph of Hansonoperla appalachia Nelson (Plecoptera: Perlidae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 87(3):593-596.

Kirchner, R.F. and P.P. Harper. 1983. The nymph of Bolotoperla rossi (Frison) (Plecoptera: Taeniopterygidae: Brachypterinae). Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 56(3): 411-414.

Kirk, V.M. 1970. A list of beetles of South Carolina, Part 2-Mountain, Piedmont, and Southern Coastal Plain. South Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Bulletin 1038:1-117.

Kirk, V.M. 1969. A list of beetles of South Carolina, Part 1-Northern Coastal Plain. South Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Bulletin 1033:1-124.

Klemm, D.J. 1982. Leeches (Annelida:Hirudinea) of North America. EPA-600/3-82-025. Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Klemm, D.J. 1972. Freshwater leeches (Annelida: Hirudinea) of North America. Biota of freshwater ecosystems identification manual no. 8. Water Pollution Control Research Series, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

Kondratieff, B.C. 1981. Seasonal distributions of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) in two piedmont rivers in Virginia. Entomological News 92:189-195.

Kondratieff, B.C. and R.F. Kirchner. 1984. New species of Taeniopteryx (Plecoptera: Taeniopterygidae) from South Carolina. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 77(6):733-736.

Kondratieff, B.C. and R.F. Kirchner. 1982. Taeniopteryx nelsoni, a new species of winter stonefly from Virginia (Plecoptera: Taeniopterygidae). Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 55(1):1-7.

Kondratieff, B.C. and J.R. Voshell, Jr. 1984. The north and Central American species of Isonychia (Epnemeroptera: Oligoneuriidae). Transactions of the American Entomological Society. 110:129-244.

Kondratieff, B.C. and J.R. Voshell, Jr. 1983. A checklist of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) of Virginia, with a review of pertinent taxonomic literature. University of Georgia Entomology Society 18:213-279.

Kondratieff, B.C, R.F. Kirchner and K.W. Stewart. 1988. A review of Perlinella Banks (Plecoptera: Perlidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America 81(1):19-27.

Kondratieff, B.C., J.W.W. Foster, III, and J.R. Voshell, Jr. 1981. Description of the Adult of Ephemerella berneri Allen and Edmunds (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae). Biological Notes. 83(2):300-303.

Kondratieff, B.C., R.F. Kirchner and J.R. Voshell Jr. 1981. Nymphs of Diploperla. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 74:428-430.

Lago, P.K. & S.C. Harris. 1987. The Chimarra (Trichoptera: Philopotamidae) of eastern North America with descriptions of three new species. Journal of the New York Entomological Society 95:225-251.

Larson, D.J. 1989. Revision of North American Agabus (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae): introduction, key to species groups, and classification of the ambiguus-, tristis-, and arcticus-groups. The Canadian Entomologist 121:861-919.

Lenat, D.R. and D.L. Penrose. 1987. New distribution records for North Carolina macroinvertebrates. Entomological News 98:67-73.

LeSage, L. and A.D. Harrison. 1980. Taxonomy of Cricotopus species (diptera: Chironomidae) from Salem Creek, Ontario. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Ontario 111:57-114.

Lewis, P.A. 1974. Three new Stenonema species from Eastern North America (Heptageniidae: Ephemeroptera). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 76:347-355.

Loden, M.S. 1978. A revision of the genus Psammoryctides (Oligochaeta: Tubificidae) in North America. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 91:74-84.

Loden, M.S. 1977. Two new species of Limnodrilus (Oligochaeta: Tubificidae) from the Southeastern United States. Transactions of the American Microscopal Society 96:321-326.

Mackay, R.J. 1978. Larval identification and instar association in some species of Hydropsyche and Cheumatopsyche (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America 71:499-509.

Mason, P.G. 1985. The larvae and pupae of Stictochironomus marmoreus and S. quagga (Diptera: Chironomidae). Canadian Entomologist 117:43-48.

Mason, P.G. 1985. The larvae of Tvetenia vitracies (Saether) (Diptera: Chironomidae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 87:418-420.

McAlpine, J.F., B.V. Peterson, G.E. Shewell, H.J. Teskey, J.R. Vockeroth, and D.M. Wood (coords.). 1989. Manual of nearctic Diptera, Vol. 3. Research Branch of Agriculture Canada, Monograph 28.

McAlpine, J.F., B.V. Peterson, G.E. Shewell, H.J. Teskey, J.R. Vockeroth, and D.M. Wood (coords.). 1987. Manual of nearctic Diptera, Vol. 2. Research Branch of Agriculture Canada, Monograph 28.

McAlpine, J.F., B.V. Peterson, G.E. Shewell, H.J. Teskey, J.R. Vockeroth, and D.M. Wood (coords.). 1981. Manual of nearctic Diptera, Vol. 1. Research Branch of Agriculture Canada, Monograph 27.

McCafferty, W.P. 1990. A new species of Stenonema (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae) from North Carolina. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 92:760-764.

McCafferty, W.P. 1984. The relationship between North and Middle American Stenonema (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae). The Great Lakes Entomologist 17:125-128.

McCafferty, W.P. 1977. Newly associated larvae of three species of Heptagenia (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae). Journal of the Georgia Entomology Society. 12(4):350-358.

McCafferty, W.P. 1977. Biosystematic of Dannella and Related Subgenera of Ephemerella (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America 70:881-889.

 

McCafferty, W.P. 1975. The burrowing mayflies (Epnemeroptera: Ephemeroidea) of the United States. Transactions of the American Entomological Society 101:447-504.

McCafferty, W.P. and Y.J. Bae. 1990. Anthopotamus, a new genus for North American species previously known as Potamanthus (Ephemeroptera: Potamanthidae). Entomological News 101(4):200-202.

McCafferty, W.P., M.J. Wigle, and R.D. Waltz. 1994. Contributions to the taxonomy and biology of Acentrella turbida (McDunnough) (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae). Pan-Pacific Insects 70:301-308.

Merritt, R.W. and K.W. Cummins (editors). 1996. An introduction to the aquatic insects of North America, 3rd ed. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, Iowa.

Merritt, R.W., D.H. Ross, and B.V. Perterson. 1978. Larval ecology of some lower Michigan blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) with keys to the immature stages. Great Lakes Entomologist 11:177-208.

Milligan, M.R. 1986. Separation of Haber speciosus (Hrabe) (Oligochaeta: Tubificidae) from its congeners, with a description of a new form from North America. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 99:406-416.

Moore, J.W. and I.A. Moore. 1978. Descriptions of the larvae of four species of Procladius from Great Slave Lake (Chironomidae: Diptera). Canadian Journal of Zoology 56:2055-2057.

Morihara, D.K. and .W.P. McCafferty. 1979. The Baetis larvae of North America (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae). Transactions of the American Entomological Society 105:139-221.

Murray, D.A. and P. Ashe. 1981. A description of the larvae and pupa of Eurycnemus crassipes (panzer) (Diptera: Chironomidae) Entomologica Scandinavica 12:357-361.

Nelson, H.G. 1981. Notes on Nearctic Helichus (Coleoptera: Drypodidae). Pan-Pacific Entomologist Vol 57:226-227.

Oliver, D.R. 1982. Xylotopus, a new genus of Orthocladiinae (Diptera: Chironomidae). Canadian Entomologist 114:163-164.

Oliver, D.R. 1981. Description of Euryhapsis new genus including three new species (Diptera: Chironomidae). Canadian Entomologist 113:711-722.

Oliver, D.R. 1977. Bicinctus-group of the genus Cricotopus Van der Wulp (Diptera: Chironomidae) in the nearctic with a description of a new species. Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 34:98-104

Oliver, D.R. 1971. Description of Einfeldia synchrona n.sp. (Diptera: Chironomidae) Canadian Entomologist 103:1591-1595.

Oliver, D.R. and R.W. Bode. 1985. Description of the larvae and pupa of Cardiocladius albiplumus Saether (Diptera: Chironomidae). Canadian Entomologist 117:803-809.

Oliver, D.R. and M.E. Roussel. 1982. The larvae of Pagastia Oliver (Diptera: Chironomidae) with descriptions of the three nearctic species. Canadian Entomologist 114:849-854.

Parker, C.R. and G.B. Wiggins. 1987. Revision of the caddisfly genus Psilotreta (Trichoptera: Odontoceridae) Royal Ontario Museum Life Sciences Contributions 144. 55pp.

Pennak, R.W. 1989. Freshwater invertebrates of the United States, 3rd ed. J. Wiley & Sons, New York.

Pescador, M.L. 1985. Systematics of the nearctic genus Pseudiron (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae: Pseudironinae). The Florida Entomologist 68:432-444.

Pescador, M. L. and L. Berner. 1980. The mayfly family Baetiscidae (Ephemeroptera). Part II Biosystematics of the Genus Baetisca. Transactions American Entomological Society 107:163-228.

Pescador, M.L. and W.L. Peters. 1980. A Revisions of the Genus Homoeoneuria (Ephemeroptera: Oligoneuriidae). Transactions of the American Entomological Society 106:357-393.

Plotnikoff, R.W. 1994. Instream biological assessment monitoring protocols: benthic macroinvertebrates. Washington State Department of Ecology, Environmental Investigations and Laboratory Services, Olympia, Washington, Ecology Publication No. 94-113.

Provonsha, A.V. 1991. A revision of the genus Caenis in North America (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae). Transactions of the American Entomological Society 116:801-884.

Provonsha, A.V. 1990. A revision of the genus Caenis in North America (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae). Transactions of the American Entomological Society 116(4):801-884.

Resh, V.H. 1976. The biology and immature stages of the caddisfly genus Ceraclea in eastern North America (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America 69:1039-1061.

Ricker, W.E. and H.H. Ross. 1968. North American species of Taeniopteryx (Plecoptera, Insecta). Journal Fisheries Research Board of Canada. 25(7):1423-1439.

Roback, S.S. 1987. The immature chironomids of the eastern United States IX. Pentaneurini - Genus Labrundinia with the description of a new species from Kansas. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia 138:443-465.

Roback, S.S. 1986. The immature chironomids of the eastern United States VII. Pentaneurini - Genus Nilotanypus, with description of some neotropical material. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia 139:159-209.

Roback, S.S. 1986. The immature chironomids of the Eastern United States VII. Pentaneurini - Genus Monopelopia, with redescriptions of the male adults and description of some neotropical material. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia 138:350-365.

Roback, S.S. 1985. The immature chironomids of the eastern United States VI. Pentaneurini - Genus Ablabesmyia. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia 137:153-212.

Roback, S.S. 1983. Krenopelopia hudsoni: a new species from the Eastern United States (Diptera: Chironomidae: Tanypodinae). Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia 135:254-260.

Roback, S.S. 1981. The immature chironomids of the Eastern United States V. Pentaneurini-Thienemannimyia group. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia 133:73-128.

Roback, S.S. 1980. The immature chironomids of the Eastern United States IV. Tanypodinae-Procladiini. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia 132:1-63.

Roback, S.S. 1978. The immature chironomids of the eastern United States III. Tanypodinae-Anatopyniini, Macropelopiini and Natarsiini. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia 129:151-202.

Roback, S.S. 1977. The immature chironomids of the eastern United States II. Tanypodinae - Tanypodini. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia 128:55-87.

Roback, S.S. 1976. The immature chironomids of the eastern United States I. Introduction and Tanypodinae-Coelotanypodini. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia 127:147-201.

Roback, S.S. 1975. New Rhyacophilidae records with some water quality data. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 127:45-50.

Roback, S.S. and W.P. Coffman. 1983. Results of the Catherwood Bolivian-Peruvian Altiplano expedition Part II. Aquatic Diptera including montane Diamesinae and Orthocladiinae (Chironomidae) from Venezuela. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia 135:9-79.

Roback, S.S. and L.C. Ferrington, Jr. 1983. The immature stages of Thienemannimyia barberi (Coquillett) (Diptera: Chironomidae: Tanypodinae). Freshwater Invertebrate Biology 5:107-111.

Ruiter, D.E. 1995. The adult Limnephilus Leach (Trichoptera: Limnephiliae) of the New World. Bulletin of the Ohio Biological Survey, New Series 11 no. 1.

Saether, O.A. 1983. The larvae of Prodiamesinae (Diptera: Chironomidae) of the holarctic region - keys and diagnoses. Entomologica Scandinavica Supplement 19:141-147.

Saether, O.A. 1982. Orthocladiinae (Diptera: Chironomidae) from the SE U.S.A., with descriptions of Plhudsonia, Unniella and Platysmittia n. genera and Atelopodella n. subgen. Entomologica Scandinanvia Supplement 13:465-510.

Saether, O.A. 1980. Glossary of chironomid morphology terminology (Diptera: Chironomidae) Entomologica Scandinanvica Supplement 14:1-51.

Saether, O.A. 1977. Taxonomic studies on Chironomidae: Nanocladius, Pseudochironomus, and the Harnischia complex. Bulletin of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 196:1-143.

Saether, O.A. 1976. Revision of Hydrobaenus, Trissocladius, Zalutschia, Paratrissocladius, and some related genera (Diptera: Chironomidae). Bulletin of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 195:1-287.

Saether, O.A. 1975. Nearctic and Palaearctic Heterotrissocladius (Diptera:Chironomidae). Bulletin of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 193:1-67.

Saether, O.A. 1975. Twelve new species of Limnophyes Eaton, with keys to nearctic males of the genus (Diptera: Chironomidae). Canadian Entomologist 107:1029-1056.

Saether, O.A. 1975. Two new species of Protanypus Kieffer, with keys to nearctic and palaearctic species of the genus (Diptera: Chironomidae). Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 32:367-388.

Saether, O.A. 1973. Four species of Bryophaenocladius Thien., with notes on other Orthocladiinae (Diptera: Chironomidae). Canadian Entomologist 105:51-60.

Saether, O.A. 1971. Four new and unusual Chironomidae (Diptera). Canadian Entomologist 103:1799-1827.

Saether, O.A. 1971. Nomenclature and phylogeny of the genus Harnischia (Diptera: Chironomidae). Canadian Entomologist 103:347-362.

Saether, O.A. 1971. Notes on general morphology and terminology of the Chironomidae (Diptera). Canadian Entomologist 103:1237-1260.

Saether, O.A. 1969. Some nearctic Podonominae, Diamesinae, and Orthocladiinae (Diptera: Chironomidae) Bulletin of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 170:1-154.

Sawyer, R.T. and R.M. Shelley. 1976. New records and species of leeches (Annelida: Hirudinea) from North and South Carolina. Journal of Natural History 10:65-97.

Schefter, P.W. and G.B. Wiggins. 1986. A systematic study of a the nearctic larvae of the Hydropsyche morosa group (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae). Miscellaneous Publications of the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada.

Schmid, F. 1970. Le genre Rhyacophila et le famille des Rhyacophilidae (Trichoptera). Memoirs of the Entomological Society of Canada 66:1-230.

Schuster, G.A. and D.A. Etnier. 1978. A manual for the identification of the larvae of the caddisfly genera Hydropsyche Pictet and Symphitopsyche Ulmer in eastern and central North America (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae). EPA-600/4-78-060.

Sherberger, F.F. and J.B. Wallace. 1971. Larvae of the southeastern species of Molanna. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 44:217-224.

Simpson, K.W. 1982. A guide to the basic taxonomic literature for the genera of North American Chironomidae (Diptera) - Adults, pupae, and larvae. New York State Museum Bulletin No.447: 1-43.

Simpson, K. W. and R.W. Bode. 1980. Common larvae of Chironomidae (Diptera) from New York State streams and rivers. New York State Museum Bulletin 439:1-105.

Smith, S.D., unpublished 1995. Revision of the genus Rhyacophilia (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae). Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Washington.

Smith, S.D. 1985. Studies of Nearctic Rhyacophila (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae): Synopsis of Rhyacophila Nevadensis Group. Pan-Pacific Entomologist 61:210-217.

Smith, S.D. 1968. The Rhyacophila of the Salmon River drainage of Idaho with special reference to larvae. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 61:655-674.

Soponis, A.R. and C.L. Russell. 1982. Identification of instars and species in some larval Polypedilum (Diptera: Chironomidae). Hydrobiologia 94:25-32.

Stark, B.P. 1986. The nearctic species of Agnetina (Plecoptera: Perlidae). Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society. 59(3):437-445.

Stark, B.P. 1983. A review of the genus Soliperla (Plecoptera: Peltoperlidae). Great Basin Naturalist 43:30-44.

Stark, B.P. and C.H. Nelson. 1994. Systematics, phylogeny, and zoogeography of the genus Yoraperla (Plecoptera: Peltoperliae). Entomologica Scandinavica 25:241-273.

Stark, B.P. and D.H. Ray. 1983. A Revision of the Genus Helopicus (Plecoptera: Perlodidae). Freshwater Invertebrate Biology 2(1):16-27.

Stark, B.P. and K.W. Stewart. 1982. Oconoperla, a new genus of North American Perlodinae (Plecoptera: Perlodidae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 84(4):747-752.

Stark, B.P. and K.W. Stewart. 1981. The nearctic genera of Peltoperlidae (Plecoptera). Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 54:285-311.

Stark, B.P. and S.W. Szczytko. 1981. Contributions to the Systematics of Paragnetina (Plecoptera: Perlidae). Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 54(3):625-648.

Stewart, K.W. and B.P. Stark. 1988. Nymphs of North American stonefly genera (Plecoptera). Thomas Say Foundation Series, Entomological Society of America 12:1-460.

Stewart, K.W. and B.P. Stark. 1984. Nymphs of North American Perlodinae genera (Plecoptera: erlodidae). The Great Basin Naturalist 44(3):373-415.

Stimpson, K.S. , D.J. Klemm and J.K. Hiltunen. 1982. A guide to the freshwater Tubificidae (Annelida: Clitellata: Oligochaeta) of North America. EPA-600/3-82-033, 61 pp.

Sublette, J.E. 1964. Chironomidae (Diptera) of Louisiana I. Systematics and immature stages of some lentic chironomids of West-central Louisiana. Tulane Studies in Zoology 11:109-150.

Szczytko, S.W. and K.W. Stewart. 1979. The genus Isoperla of western North America; holomorphology and systematics, and a new stonefly genus Cascadoperla. Memoirs of the American Entomological Society 32:1-120.

Thompson, F. G. 1983. An identification manual of the freshwater snails of Florida. Florida State Museum, Gainesville, Florida.

Thorp, J.H. and A.P. Covich (editors). 1991. Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates. Academic Press, New York, New York.

Torre-Bueno, J.R. de la. 1989. The Torre-Bueno Glossary of Entomology, Revised Edition. The New York Entomological Society, New York.

Traver, J.R. 1937. Notes on mayflies of the Southeastern states (Ephemeroptera). Journal of the Elisha Mitchell Scientific Society 53:27-86.

Traver, J.R. 1933. Mayflies of North Carolina Part III. The Heptageniinae. Journal of the Elisha Mitchell Scientific Society 48:141-206.

Usinger, R.L. (editor). 1956. Aquatic insects of California. University of California Press, Berkeley, California.

Vineyard, R.N. and G.B. Wiggins. 1987. Seven new species from North America in the caddisfly genus Neophylax (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae). Annals of the Entomological Society 80:62-73.

Waltz, R.D. & W.P. McCafferty. 1987. Systematics of Pseudocloeon, Acentrella, Baetiella, and Liebebiella, new genus (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae). Journal of New York Entomology Society. 95(4):553-568.

Waltz, R.D., W.P. McCafferty, and J.H. Kennedy. 1985. Barbaetis: a new genus of eastern nearctic Mayflies (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae). The Great Lakes Entomologist:161-165.

Weaver, J.S., III. 1988. A synopsis of the North American Lepidostomatidae (Trichoptera). Contributions to the American Entomological Institute 24.

Weaver, J.S. III, and T.R. White. 1981. Larval description of Rhyacophila appalachia Morse and Ross (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae). Journal of the Georgia Entomological Society 16:269-271.

Wetzel, M.J. 1987. Limnodrilus tortilipenis, a new North American species of freshwater Tubificidae (Annelida:Clitellata:Oligochaeta). Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 100:182-185.

White, D S. 1978. A revision of the nearctic Optioservus (Coleoptera: Elmidae), with descriptions of new species. Systematic Entomology 3:59-74.

Wiederholm, T. (editor). 1986. Chironomidae of the Holartic region. Keys and diagnoses. Part 2. Pupae. Entomologica Scandinavica Supplement 28: 1-482.

Wiederholm, T. (editor). 1983. Chironomidae of the holarctic region. Keys and diagnoses, Part 1, Larvae. Entomologica Scandinavica Supplement no. 19, 1-457.

Wiggins, G.B. 1995. Larvae of the North American caddisfly genera (Trichoptera), 2nd ed. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Canada.

Wiggins, G.B. 1977. Larvae of the North American caddisfly genera (Trichoptera). University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Canada.

Wiggins, G.B. 1965. Additions and revisions to the genera of North American caddisflies of the family Brachycentridae with special reference to the larval stages (Trichoptera). Canadian Entomologist 97:1089-1106.

Wiggins, G.B. and J.S. Richardson. 1989. Biosystematics of Eocosmoecus, a new Nearctic caddisfly genus (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae: dicosmoecinae). Journal of the North American Benthological Society 8:355-369.

Wiggins, G.B. and J.S. Richardson. 1982. Revision and synopsis of the caddisfly genus Dicosmoecus (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae: Dicosmoecinae). Aquatic Insects 4:181- 217.

Wold, J.L. 1974. Systematics of the genus Rhyacophila (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae). Unpublished Master's Thesis, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon.

Wolf, W.G. and J.F. Matta. 1981. Notes on nomenclature and classification of Hydroporus subgenera with the description of a new genus of Hydroporinia (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae). Pan-Pacific Entomologist 57:149-175.

Yamamoto, T. and G.B. Wiggins. 1964. A comparative study of the North American species in the caddisfly genus Mystacides (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae). Canadian Journal of Zoology 42:1105-1210.

Young, F. N. 1954. The water beetles of Florida. University of Florida Press, Gainesville, Florida.

 

Back to Ch. 7 (Main)



 


Jump to main content.