Use of Behavioral Experiments to Test Ecological Theory in Streams

Abstract

Direct behavioral observation of stream invertebrates was practiced extensively by aquatic entomologists in the early part of this century. Early descriptions of stream insect behavior were usually qualitative but of masterful literary style. Needham et. al. (1935) indulged in countless flowery descriptions of mayfly behavior, for example, this description of activities of close-clinging, stone-loving mayfly nymphs: “Under the stones we may find representatives of other ecological groups. Some dwell there; others are stranded there; others run in for shelter there. Every creature has a right to such shelter as he can find from the vicissitudes of life. In havens of refuge many strangers meet” (p. 182). Neave (1930) reported directly observing mass upstream migrations of mayfly nymphs along the banks of rivers, a behavior later reinvestigated by Hayden and Clifford (1974). Behavioral reports have an even older legacy as exemplified by writings of the habits of burrowing mayfly nymphs by the Dutch naturalist, Swammerdam (1737): “Of all species of insects, I never saw any one more mild, gentle, or innocent. For, in whatever manner it is treated, it is always calm and peaceful; and when left to itself, it immediately goes to work and begins to dig a cell for its habitation” (Needham et. al., 1935, p. 6).