Animal assemblages in temporary desert rock pools: aspects of the ecology of Dasyhelea sublettei (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Dodson SI. 1987. Animal assemblages in temporary desert rock pools: aspects of the ecology of Dasyhelea sublettei (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Journal of the North American Benthological Society. 6(1):65-71
A study of aquatic macroinvertebrates and amphibians in desert ephemeral rain-filled rock pools in Arches National Park and the Sand Flats area (Bureau of Land Management Land) near Moab, Utah, to find 1) whether there were non-random distribution patterns, 2) the degree to which predation and maximum pool volume determine any observed patterns, and 3) the general feeding habits and drought resistance of Dasyhelea sublettei (biting midge larvae). Dodson found three distinct assemblages that correlated with increasing pool size. D. sublettei was found to be resistant to desiccation and omnivorous in eating habits, allowing it to find refuge in most ephemeral pools. However, it was preyed on by Triops (tadpole shrimp) and Notonecta (back-swimmers), and thus excluded from larger pools. Bibliography pages 70-71.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Dodson, Stanley
- Units
- ARCH
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Aquatic, Distribution, Ecology, Food, Habitats, Inventory, Invertebrates, Monitoring, NCPN springs literature 2003, Physical Sciences, Reptiles/Amphibians, Rock