Relating Values of Selected Benthic Macroinvertebrate Metrics from D-net to Surber Sampler in Two Southeast Wyoming Streams

Abstract

Abstract Samples were taken from two southeast Wyoming streams to determine if values of selected benthic macroinvertebrate metrics derived from using a D-net could be related to values derived from using a Surber sampler. Conditions under which samples were collected were variable, ranging from severely polluted to non-polluted over two seasons. Metrics evaluated were the Shannon-Weiner index and the random runs value plus four measures of richness; Ephemeroptera taxa richness, Ephemeroptera/Plecoptera/Trichoptera taxa richness, total taxa richness, and Plecoptera taxa richness. Regression analysis indicated that linear relations existed between average metric values estimated through use of the D-net and Surber sampler. These results indicated that average D-net values for these six metrics can be expressed as average Surber sampler values, and vice versa, in these two streams when using either the D-net or Surber sampler in the manner described. This study presented two ways (i.e., the F test or the mo...