AQUATIC INSECTS OF PEATLANDS AND MARSHES IN CANADA: SYNTHESIS OF INFORMATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF NEEDS FOR RESEARCH

Abstract

AbstractAvailable information on the insect fauna of freshwater bogs, fens, and marshes is reviewed. These habitats are extensive and important in Canada. The fauna of marshes is diverse, and appears to consist chiefly of generally distributed lentic species. The fauna of bogs has some specialized elements, but most bog species are generalists. The fauna of Canadian fens is little known, but from limited data for a few groups appears to be moderately rich. Features expected in generalist and specialist species from peatlands and marshes are summarized, and the possible roles of insects in these ecosystems are outlined. Particular needs for future research include the following: careful definition of different kinds of wetland habitats; meticulous sampling of defined habitats to distinguish residents from incidental visitors; and detailed study of the life histories and habits of individual species. Further sampling, and studies of larvae, undoubtedly will increase the numbers of insects known from Canadian peatlands and marshes. About 4000 aquatic insect species are known from Canada. So far only 22% of the species in groups for which detailed information is available have been reported to occur in marshes, and only half as many in peatlands, even though some of the recorded species probably do not breed in all of the habitats from which they have been collected.