A troglobitic amphipod in the Ice Caves of the Shawangunk Ridge: Behavior and resistance to freezing

Luis Espinasa,Amber Kavanagh,Alyssa Scott,Alex Mccahill,Jordi Espinasa,Amy Cahill

doi:10.3897/subtbiol.15.4733

Abstract

Stygobromus allegheniensis Holsinger, 1967 (Allegheny Cave Amphipod) is a troglobiotic crustacean commonly found in caves of the Northeast United States. We describe several new populations from the unique tectonic Ice Caves found in the Shawangunk Ridge in New York, USA. Results also show that despite being an eyeless species, it can detect particular wavelengths of light and individuals display scotophilia, a preference for darkness. Finally, the Ice Caves pose a challenge to any aquatic troglobiont; in the winter months, the Ice Caves freeze and the floor and walls become covered in solid ice. Our results show that S. allegheniensis may seek warmer waters within the cave, but can also survive being frozen in solid ice.

Highlights

Situated atop the the Shawangunk Ridge in the mid-Hudson Valley (New York, USA) are the Ice Caves of Sam’s Point, Minnewaska, and Mohonk Preserves
Specimens of S. allegheniensis have been found during this study in the Ice Caves located on the eastern cliffs of Sam’s Point, Ulster Co (N 41°40'19", W 74°20'47" 610 masl) and at Xanadu Cave in Table Rock at the edge of Mohonk Preserve, Ulster Co (N 41°48'55", W 74°06'45" 120 masl)
Our results indicate that S. allegheniensis, despite being eyeless, detects light, and exhibits scotophilia

Summary

Introduction

Situated atop the the Shawangunk Ridge in the mid-Hudson Valley (New York, USA) are the Ice Caves of Sam’s Point, Minnewaska, and Mohonk Preserves. These caves occur at the apexes of the broad anticlinal sections of the ridge where flat-lying, truncated. The Shawangunk Formation is a silica-cemented conglomerate of white quartz pebbles and sandstone of extreme hardness (Epstein and Epstein 1972). Unlike limestone, this type of rock does not undergo the chemical weathering or mechanical erosion that leads to the formation of solutional caves. The massively bedded, widely jointed rock at the edge of the cliff breaks up into huge blocks that tumble and lean against each other as they gradually work their way downslope

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