Duckweed (Lemnaceae) as habitat for macroinvertebrates in eastern North Carolina

Abstract

We sampled duckweed (Lemnaceae) communities at 33 locations, including blackwater wetlands. on the Coastal Plain of North Carolina. Three 0.10 m2 samples were collected at each location and the biomass of the plants and the macroinvertebrates therein were determined. Significant positive correlations existed between (a) wet and dry biomass of duckweed samples, (b) dry duckweed biomass and macroinvertebrate biomass, and (c) dry duckweed biomass and species richness of the macroinvertebrate fauna. Site data (i.e. pH, Secchi depth, water depth) were not significantly correlated with duckweed biomass or macroinvertebrate biomass. Duckweed communities offer important habitat for macroinvertebrates, which in turn area a source of animal protein for wetland birds (e.g., breeding wood ducks).