Date Available
4-11-2014
Year of Publication
2014
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Document Type
Master's Thesis
College
Agriculture, Food and Environment
Department/School/Program
Entomology
First Advisor
Dr. Lynne Rieske-Kinney
Abstract
Hemlock woolly adelgid is an invasive herbivore causing extensive mortality of eastern hemlock, an important foundation species that provides stable conditions influencing biological communities. Hemlock is often found in riparian areas and following its decline, broadleaved species, including birch, beech, and rhododendron, will replace it. These plants differ from hemlock in patterns of canopy cover and leaf properties, which influence conditions and resources within streams.
My goal was to evaluate potential impacts of adelgid-induced alterations to riparian canopies and litter on benthic communities and litter breakdown in streams. I characterized benthic invertebrate communities, litter colonization and litter breakdown in streams with hemlock- or deciduous-dominated riparian canopies. Riparian canopy influenced abundance of some invertebrates, but litter species influences a range of benthic colonizers. Rhododendron and beech litter generally support more invertebrates and decomposes more slowly than birch or hemlock. When invertebrates are excluded, broadleaved litter breakdown is more hindered than hemlock breakdown. My findings suggest that invertebrates may be more affected by future increases in broadleaved litter inputs to streams than by hemlock litter loss. This is significant because benthic invertebrates are important for in-stream litter processing and are linked to aquatic and terrestrial food webs.
Recommended Citation
Strohm, Christopher J., "CHANGING LITTER RESOURCES ASSOCIATED WITH HEMLOCK WOOLLY ADELGID INVASION AFFECT BENTHIC COMMUNITIES IN HEADWATER STREAMS" (2014). Theses and Dissertations--Entomology. 8.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/entomology_etds/8
