Seasonal Progression of Aquatic Organisms in a Temporary Wetland in Northern California

Abstract

Abstract. Seasonal wetlands are important habitats for biodiversity of both invertebrate and vertebrate fauna. Many aquatic species have life history traits adapted to colonizing and developing in temporary aquatic habitats, and these traits influence the annual succession of the macroinvertebrate community. The chronology of taxon appearance and the variation in relative abundances during the hydroperiod are important for understanding population dynamics, trophic interactions, and responses to drought. This study investigated the successional changes in macroinvertebrate abundances in a seasonal wetland in northern California. Water quality parameters were measured regularly, including dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, surface area, and specific conductance during the wet season ( January–July) in 2007–2009. Macroinvertebrates were collected with net sweeps (mesh > 500 mm), and the presence of life stages of amphibians were visually observed from March to June each year. As the hydroperiod progressed, ...