Unexpected patterns of chironomid larval size in an extreme environment: a highly glaciated, alpine stream

Abstract

In this article, we report on the development and growth of alpine chironomid species in a highly glaciated headwater, using biometrical analyses. Glacially influenced alpine streams are characterized by year-round harsh environmental conditions. Only a few, highly adapted benthic insects, mainly chironomid larvae (genus Diamesa) live in these extreme conditions. Although several studies have shown patterns in ecosystem structure and function in alpine streams, cause–effect relationships of abiotic components on aquatic insects’ life strategies are still unknown. Sampling was performed at Schlatenbach, a river draining the Schlatenkees (Hohe Tauern NP, Austria), at three sites and on six occasions from August to October 2015. Semi-quantitatively sampled Diamesa cinerella (Meigen 1835) and Diamesa steinboecki (Goetghebuer 1933) larvae were biometrically analysed, and they showed differences in larval size and biovolume with higher values close to the glacier. Considering the decreasing water temperatures but increasing benthic organic matter towards the glacier, food availability seems to play a crucial role for larval size in highly glaciated alpine headwaters. This is the first study to show that harsh conditions in these environments (low temperatures, high turbidity and flow dynamics) may exclude many taxa, but favour other, highly adapted species, when their essential needs (food quality and quantity) are guaranteed.