Temporal changes in stream insect abundance in northwestern massachusetts

Abstract

Aquatic insects were sampled every ten days from streams and rivers in northwestern Massachusetts between May 22 and October 8, collecting a total of 9,844 specimens that were all identified to the family level. Absolute abundances of insects did not vary throughout the sampling period, although the family composition did. While the total abundance of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera combined was constant throughout the season, trichopterans were more abundant early in the season, and ephemeropterans and plecopterans increased in abundance throughout the season. © 2008, Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.