Invertebrate Shredders Research Articles

Experimental assessment of temperature increase and presence of predator carcass changing the response of invertebrate shredders

The role of the invertebrate shredders in leaf decomposition process in tropical lotic ecosystems has been explored only recently. In addition to the influence of the quality of litter and the temperature, the risk of predation generally results in changes on the survival and behavior of invertebrate shredders. The aim of this study was to observe the responses of the invertebrate shredders to different species of leaf litters (Experiment 1: Talauma ovata and Inga laurina ; Experiment 2: Talauma ovata, Inga laurina and Richeria grandis ) under gradual temperature rise (24 °C, 26 °C, 28 °C, 30 °C, 32 °C), in the presence (Experiment 2) and absence (Experiment1) of fish (Astyanax sp.) carcasses, as well as to observe the possible consequences of the leaf mass loss (LML). The results from the first experiment suggest that the quality of the litter was capable of changing the feeding preference of the invertebrate shredders, regardless of temperature. In the second experiment, the leaf mass loss was faster in litter with higher quality (Talauma ovate and Richeria grandis ); in addition, we observed that the exploration of these resources resulted in the case-building in the presence of fish carcass. The negative correlation of leaf mass loss of Inga laurina in relation to temperature in the presence of fish carcass probably occurred due to an accelerated metabolic, respiratory and cardiac rates. Apparently, this process may have led to an increased shredding activity on the litters of better quality in relation to the Inga laurina. This fact may be related to less energy consumption, so as to meet their energy demands more efficiently.

Invertebrate grazers are a crucial factor for grass litter mass loss and nutrient mobilization during aquatic decomposition

The decomposition process of plant litter is very important for carbon turnover. Much is known about the impact of invertebrate shredders on this process, but the effect of invertebrate grazers (e.g. detritivore freshwater snails) on litter processing has received little attention. These grazers are quite prevalent in some aquatic ecosys- tems. Therefore, a laboratory batch experiment was conducted to assess the effect of invertebrate grazers (aquatic snails) on aquatic litter decomposition and nutrient mobilization. Litter containing different amounts of silicon was used because silicon content is known to affect grazers. Invertebrate grazers had a significant effect on litter de- composition, increasing leaf mass loss by 100 % and reducing the cellulose content by 25 %. The leaf litter silicon content had no effect on these grazers. Furthermore, litter silicon content showed strong negative effects on nutrient remobilization, whereas the mobilization of calcium, nitrogen and DOC was affected by the invertebrates. It could be concluded that invertebrate grazer may have an important role in aquatic litter decomposition by decreasing litter cellulose content and enhancing mobilization of nutrients.

Effects of nutrient enrichment and activity of invertebrate shredders on leaf litter breakdown in low order streams

AbstractThis study compares leaf breakdown rates of two common plant species (alder and oak) in pristine and low‐to‐moderately polluted streams and investigates changes in the functioning of invertebrate consumers across the Western Carpathians (Poland). No positive effect of elevated nutrient concentration on litter breakdown rates was observed regardless of leaf species and litter bag mesh size. The litter breakdown rate was low at impacted sites, which was probably due to the combined effect of toxic compounds in waste water and oxygen depletion. Small shredders (e.g. stoneflies) were most abundant in pristine streams. In contrast, in some impacted streams larger gammarids or dipterans were more abundant. Shredder densities in the two stream types did not differ significantly but the diversity of shredders was significantly lower in impacted streams. Dipterans preferred more alder than oak litter. Feeding behavior of gammarids and dipterans in impacted streams may reflect their specific physiological adaptation of alimentary canals for food assimilation. Changes in impacted stream ecosystems were better explained by modifications in the shredder composition than by changes in litter breakdown rates.

Nutrient enrichment of a heterotrophic stream alters leaf litter nutritional quality and shredder physiological condition via the microbial pathway

Streams receiving agricultural runoff are typically enriched with nutrients, which variously impact stream communities. We examined the effects of phosphate and nitrate enrichment on leaf litter breakdown, microbial biomass and the nutrition of an invertebrate shredder to determine how nutrients are transferred through the stream detrital food web. Using artificial streams, individuals of Anisocentropus kirramus (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae) were fed leaves of Apodytes brachystylus (Icacinaceae) under different nutrient regimes. We measured the amount of leaf material consumed or decomposed and the microbial biomass colonising the leaves. The dry mass, and protein, lipid and carbohydrate composition of A. kirramus larvae were determined after 28-day feeding on the leaves. Supplements of phosphorus, but not nitrogen, enhanced leaf breakdown, microbial growth and growth of larvae. Microbial biomass and dry mass of larvae increased with nutrient enrichment and they were significantly correlated. Thus, the phosphorus supplement was transmitted through the detrital food web via the microbial pathway, resulting in higher nutritional quality of leaves and enhanced physiological condition of the shredder. Understanding such subtle relationships is important in determining the impacts of anthropogenic contaminants on freshwater ecosystems.

Detritus processing in lentic cave habitats in the neotropics

Lentic cave habitats are almost always heterotrophic habitats where there are food and oxygen input from the surface. This hydrological exchange seems to be the key factor shaping most groundwater communities. Litter processing in cave water environments has not been experimentally studied as much as it has in lotic subterranean systems, although detritus is likely a critical resource for organisms inhabiting shallow groundwater habitats. The present study sought to evaluate the processing rates and the nitrogen and phosphorous dynamics in plant debris deposited in lentic habitats of two Neotropical limestone caves during 99 days. 84–10×10 cm 2 litterbags with mesh sizes of 0.04 mm 2 and 9 mm 2 were used. In each weighed litter bag, 50 green, intact plant leaf disks (± 2.0 gr/bag) were conditioned. At the end of the experiment, the average weight loss was only 17.4%. No macroinvertebrates were found associated to the debris, but significant differences in the processing rate in relation to the cave and mesh size were observed. The weight loss rate of the plant debris was considered slow (average 0.003 K -day ). The amount of nitrogen and remaining phosphorous in the plant debris in the two caves showed variations over time with a tendency to increase probably due to the development of microorganisms which assimilate nitrogen and phosphorus. The slow processing rate of the plant debris can be due mainly to the fact that these lentic cave habitats are restrictive to colonization by shredder invertebrates. Furthermore, the abrasive force of the water, which plays an important role in the processing and availability of fragmented debris for colonization by microorganisms, is absent.

Silicon controls microbial decay and nutrient release of grass litter during aquatic decomposition

The decomposition rate of plant litter is important for the carbon cycle. Element stoichiometry and hardly degradable carbon compounds are main factors controlling the decomposition rate of plant litter. Recent research has linked these factors to silicon availability during plant growth, but no research focused on the effect of silicon on litter decomposition. We therefore conducted a batch experiment to assess the effect of silicon availability to plants on litter degradation, nutrient release and multi elemental stoichiometry. Experiments were conducted in the presence or absence of invertebrate shredders (Gammarus pulex). We show that nutrient content (affected by silicon availability during plant growth) has a strong impact on nutrient turnover, while DOC, N, and Mn were mainly controlled by invertebrate feeding. The carbon turnover during microbial litter decay was strongly influenced by the silicon availability during plant growth, with quicker potential C turnover of litter with higher silicon content. In both Si-rich and Si-poor litter, feeding by invertebrate shredders positively impacted turnover rates, but effects were less pronounced in Si-rich litter. It can be concluded that silicon availability in wetlands dominated by reed plays an important role in carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and remobilization during aquatic litter decay.

Global pressures, specific responses: effects of nutrient enrichment in streams from different biomes

We assessed the effects of nutrient enrichment on three stream ecosystems running through distinct biomes (Mediterranean, Pampean and Andean). We increased the concentrations of N and P in the stream water 1.6–4-fold following a before–after control–impact paired series (BACIPS) design in each stream, and evaluated changes in the biomass of bacteria, primary producers, invertebrates and fish in the enriched (E) versus control (C) reaches after nutrient addition through a predictive-BACIPS approach. The treatment produced variable biomass responses (2–77% of explained variance) among biological communities and streams. The greatest biomass response was observed for algae in the Andean stream (77% of the variance), although fish also showed important biomass responses (about 9–48%). The strongest biomass response to enrichment (77% in all biological compartments) was found in the Andean stream. The magnitude and seasonality of biomass responses to enrichment were highly site specific, often depending on the basal nutrient concentration and on windows of ecological opportunity (periods when environmental constraints other than nutrients do not limit biomass growth). The Pampean stream, with high basal nutrient concentrations, showed a weak response to enrichment (except for invertebrates), whereas the greater responses of Andean stream communities were presumably favored by wider windows of ecological opportunity in comparison to those from the Mediterranean stream. Despite variation among sites, enrichment globally stimulated the algal-based food webs (algae and invertebrate grazers) but not the detritus-based food webs (bacteria and invertebrate shredders). This study shows that nutrient enrichment tends to globally enhance the biomass of stream biological assemblages, but that its magnitude and extent within the food web are complex and are strongly determined by environmental factors and ecosystem structure.

Invertebrate shredder as a factor controlling the fixation potential for metals/metalloids in organic matter during decay

Wetlands are well known for water treatment and as a sink for elements (e.g. metals/metalloids). The elements are mainly fixed by sediments, microbial biofilms and plants, whereas the organic part of the sediment has a potential important role. These organic sediments underlie the process of organic matter decomposition, which proceeds in the three distinct steps of leaching, microbial conditioning and fragmentation by aquatic fauna. The effect of organic matter fragmentation on elemental fixation was shown previously only under neutral pH conditions. Hence, a batch experiment was conducted to assess the effect of invertebrate shredder on elemental accumulation during litter decay under low acidic conditions. Here it is shown that this fragmentation of the organic material by aquatic fauna enhances the elemental fixation potential of the organic sediments significantly, also under low acidic conditions. During the process of fragmentation the surface area of the organic matter increases by increasing amount of smaller particles. This in turn results in higher adsorption capacity of a larger amount of growing biofilm enhancing the surface even more (heterotrophic microorganisms). The growing biofilm (periphyton) with its larger surface area and hence more functional groups result in higher elemental fixation. Therefore, invertebrate shredders as ecosystem engineers enhance the capability for elemental fixation by fragmentation of organic matter, which is an important process in wetlands ecosystems usable in a broad pH range.

Copper oxide nanoparticles can induce toxicity to the freshwater shredder Allogamus ligonifer

Increased commercialisation of nanometal-based products augments the possibility of their deposition into aquatic ecosystems; this, in turn, may pose risks to aquatic biota and associated ecological functions. Freshwater invertebrate shredders mostly use microbially-colonized plant litter as food resource and play an important role in aquatic detritus food webs. We assessed lethal effects of nanoCuO on the shredder Allogamus ligonifer (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae) by determining the concentration that induced 50% of death (LC50), and sublethal effects of nanoCuO on the feeding behaviour and growth of the shredder by exposing the animals to: (i) stream water supplemented with nanoCuO and microbially-colonized leaves, and (ii) stream water (without nanoCuO) and microbially-colonized leaves pre-exposed to nanoCuO. Results from acute lethal tests showed that the 96h LC50 of nanoCuO was very high (569mgL−1). In the absence of nanoparticles, leaf consumption rate was 0.27mgleaf DMmg−1 animal DMd−1 and the shredder growth rate was 56μganimalDMmg−1 animal DMd−1. A significant inhibition in leaf consumption rate (up to 47%) and invertebrate growth rate (up to 46%) was observed when shredders were exposed to the higher tested sublethal concentration of nanoCuO (75mgL−1) through either contaminated stream water or pre-contaminated food. The exposure to increased nanoCuO concentration via water or pre-contaminated food led to higher accumulation of copper in the larval body. Leached water-soluble ionic copper from the nanoCuO adsorbed or accumulated in the shredder (up to 10.2% of total Cu) seemed to influence the feeding behaviour and growth of the shredder.

Impacts of warming on aquatic decomposers along a gradient of cadmium stress

We evaluated the effects of cadmium and temperature on plant-litter decomposition by examining diversity and activity of aquatic fungi and leaf consumption by Limnephilus sp., a typical invertebrate shredder of Iberian streams. Freshly fallen leaves were immersed in a stream to allow microbial colonization, and were exposed in microcosms to a gradient of cadmium (≤11 levels, ≤35 mg L−1). Microcosms were kept at 15 °C, a temperature typically found in Iberian streams in autumn, and at 21 °C to simulate a warming scenario. The increase in temperature stimulated leaf decomposition by microbes, fungal reproduction and leaf consumption by the shredder. Conversely, increased cadmium concentrations inhibited fungal reproduction and diversity, and leaf consumption by the invertebrate. Cadmium concentration inhibiting 50% of fungal reproduction, microbial decomposition and leaf consumption by the shredder was higher at 15 °C than at 21 °C, suggesting that higher temperatures can lead to increased metal toxicity to aquatic decomposers.

Invertebrates control metal/metalloid sequestration and the quality of DOC/DON released during litter decay in slightly acidic environments

Plant litter and organic sediments are a main sink for metals and metalloids in aquatic ecosystems. The effect of invertebrate shredder (a key species in litter decay) on metal/metalloid fixation by organic matter is described only under alkaline water conditions whereas for slightly acidic waters nothing can be found. Furthermore, less is known about the effect of invertebrate shredders on the quality of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON) released during litter decay. We conducted an experiment to investigate the impact of invertebrate shredder (Gammarus pulex) on metal/metalloid fixation/remobilization and on the quality of DOC/DON released under slightly acidic water conditions. During decomposition of leaf litter, invertebrate shredder facilitated significantly the emergence of smaller particle sizes of organic matter. The capacity of metal fixation was significantly higher in smaller particles (POM 2,000-63μm) compared to original leaf litter and litter residues. Thus, G. pulex enhanced metal fixation by organic partition of sediments by increasing the amount of smaller particle of organic matter in aquatic ecosystems. In contrast, the capacity of metal/metalloid fixation in the smallest fraction of POM (<63μm) was lower compared with leaf residues in treatment without invertebrates. Remobilization of metals and metalloids was very low for all measured elements. A significant effect of invertebrates on quantitative formation of DOC/DON was confirmed. The quality of released DOC/DON, which may affect metal/metalloid remobilization, was also significantly affected by invertebrate shredders (e.g., more carboxylates). Hence, invertebrate shredder enhanced significantly the fixation of metals/metalloids into POM in slightly acidic environments.

Natural variation in immersion and emersion affects breakdown and invertebrate colonization of leaf litter in a temporary river

Flow pulses that alternately immerse and expose benthic habitats are widely recognized as key determinants of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in rivers. Terrestrial leaf litter input, colonization, and breakdown are also key processes in river ecosystems, but little is known about the effects of alternating immersion and emersion on these processes. We used litterbags to examine breakdown, microbial activity, and colonization of Populus sp. leaves by invertebrates along a natural gradient in immersion and emersion (i.e., submergence and exposure to air) in a temporary river. Rates of leaf litter mass loss, microbial activity and colonization by invertebrates differed among litterbags that were permanently immersed, intermittently immersed and permanently emersed, and breakdown rate coefficients (k) decreased with increasing cumulative emersed duration (the total number of day of emersion during the experiment). In contrast, the frequency of emersed periods had no detectable effects on these variables. k was positively correlated with the density of invertebrate shredders in immersed litterbags, with microbial activity and shredder density in intermittent litterbags, and with microbial activity in emersed litterbags. These correlations suggest that the relative importance of microbial activity on k increases with emersed duration, due to the periodic elimination of aquatic shredders and the scarcity of terrestrial detritivores. The fact that leaf litter breakdown was detectable under permanently emersed conditions indicates that mechanisms other than shredding by invertebrates, such as leaching and photodegradation, are dominant in dry river habitats.

Experimental shading alters leaf litter breakdown in streams of contrasting riparian canopy cover

Summary 1. Headwater stream ecosystems are primarily heterotrophic, with allochthonous organic matter being the dominant energy. However, sunlight indirectly influences ecosystem structure and functioning, affecting microbial and invertebrate consumers and, ultimately, leaf litter breakdown. We tested the effects of artificial shading on litter breakdown rates in an open-canopy stream (high ambient light) and a closed-canopy stream (low ambient light). We further examined the responses of invertebrate shredders and aquatic hyphomycetes to shading to disentangle the underlying effects of light availability on litter breakdown. 2. Litter breakdown was substantially slower for both fast-decomposing (alder, Alnus glutinosa) and slow-decomposing (beech, Fagus sylvatica) leaf litters in artificially shaded stream reaches relative to control (no artificial shading) reaches, regardless of stream type (open or closed canopy). 3. Shredder densities were higher on A. glutinosa than on F. sylvatica litter, and shading had a greater effect on reducing shredder densities associated with A. glutinosa than those associated with F. sylvatica litter in both stream types. Fungal biomass was also negatively affected by shading. Results suggest that the effects of light availability on litter breakdown rates are mediated by resource quality and consumer density. 4. Results from feeding experiments, where A. glutinosa litter incubated under ambient light or artificial shade was offered to the shredder Gammarus fossarum, suggest that experimental shading and riparian canopy openness influenced litter palatability interactively. Rates of litter consumption by G. fossarum were decreased by experimental shading in the open-canopy stream only. 5. The results suggest that even small variations in light availability in streams can mediate substantial within-stream heterogeneity in litter breakdown. This study provides further evidence that changes in riparian vegetation, and thus light availability, influence organic matter processing in heterotrophic stream ecosystems through multiple trophic levels.

An assessment of cellulose filters as a standardized material for measuring litter breakdown in headwater streams

AbstractThe decay rate of cellulose filters and associated chemical and biological characteristics were compared with those of white oak (Quercus alba) leaves to determine whether cellulose filters could be a suitable standardized material for assessing deciduous leaf breakdown in headwater streams. The comparison was done across reaches draining mixed deciduous forest and post‐coal mining catchments, in natural and constructed channels, and ranged in flow duration from ephemeral to perennial. Decay rates of leaves and filters were predicted to differ at a given site, but the decay rates and associated characteristics of leaf and filter litterbags would be positively related. Filter decay rates did not differ across channel type or flow permanence class. Oak leaves decayed ca 2·5× faster than cellulose filters and there was no relationship between decay rates (R2 = 0·02). Ergosterol concentration, total invertebrate density, shredder density, total invertebrate biomass and taxa richness were significantly higher in oak litterbags than in filter litterbags across four sampling dates over 306 days. The biomass of invertebrate shredders colonizing litterbags did not differ between the substrate types. The C:N content was higher for filters than for oak leaves, but the mean difference between substrates decreased by ∼10‐fold over the 306‐day study. In contrast, mean differences in ergosterol concentration between substrates increased threefold over the study. Although characteristics associated with filter litterbags were positively related to those of oak leaf litterbags, most relationships had low explanatory power (R2⩽0·3); however, stronger relationships existed for total invertebrate density, shredder density and taxa richness (R2 = 0·78). Although a standardized material would be useful for incorporating litter breakdown in stream assessments, because of the strong differences in decay rate and associated characteristics, we cannot recommend cellulose filters as a suitable substrate to represent the natural breakdown of leaf material. Published in 2010. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Enhanced metal and metalloid concentrations in the gut system comparing to remaining tissues of Gammarus pulex L.

Invertebrate shredders such as Gammarus pulex are key species in contaminated stream ecosystems. Although a number of previous studies examining differences in metal accumulation between the gut system and remaining tissues of invertebrates exist, few focus on wide range of metals and metalloids that are relevant to contaminated systems. This study compared accumulation of the commonest (at study site) 15 metals and metalloids between the gut system including feces and remaining tissues of G. pulex. All metals and metalloids measured were significantly higher ( p < 0.001, except Cu p < 0.005) in the gut system including feces than remaining tissues of G. pulex. Metals and metalloids in body tissues without the gut system including feces were significantly lower (Al, Cr, Fe and Mn ( p < 0.005), Sr and U ( p < 0.01), Co ( p < 0.05)) in content for a number of elements when compared to washed, whole G. pulex specimens. As well, all elements measured were significantly higher (all elements ( p < 0.005) except Cu and Co ( p < 0.05)) in gut system including feces than washed, whole G. pulex specimens. These results indicate that in G. pulex the uptake of all 15 metals and metalloids examined across the gut epithelium is minimalized or that sequestration of these elements in gut epithelial cells may occur.

The importance of terrestrial resource subsidies for shredders in open-canopy streams revealed by stable isotope analysis

Many streams run through naturally-unforested, agricultural, and residential landscapes and thus do not have closed riparian canopies. Little is known of food web dynamics and ecosystem function in such open-canopy streams. Similarly, our knowledge of ecosystem processes in intermittent streams and effects of drought on stream ecosystem function are limited, despite that predictions of climate change effects include increased frequency and duration of droughts in freshwaters. The aim of my thesis was to increase our knowledge of invertebrate shredder assemblages and ecosystem function in open-canopy intermittent streams and to reveal the role of terrestrial organic matter in open-canopy streams. Invertebrate shredders, as primary consumers of detritus, significantly contribute to the ecosystem function decomposition of organic matter. Thereby, shredders are important vectors for transferring detrital energy into stream food webs. I found high-density and species-rich shredder assemblages in three open-canopy intermittent streams on the island of Oland in the southern Baltic Sea, Sweden. My results showed that terrestrially derived organic matter was the shredder’s main food source and the amount of high-quality CPOM potentially limited shredder production. However, through supplementing their feeding with algae, a high shredder production, similar to production estimates in forested permanent streams, could be maintained in these open-canopy intermittent streams. Instead, my results indicate that the primary physical factor constraining shredder production in intermittent streams is the length of the summer drought period. Furthermore, drying simulated as decreasing water levels in an experiment, decreased invertebrate shredder feeding activity and consequently, the breakdown rate of organic matter. Drying also altered a caddisfly shredders’ life cycle phenology and such evident induction of earlier pupation due to drying has not been shown for aquatic insects earlier. Food webs and ecosystem function and processes in open-canopy and intermittent streams deserve further attention, especially as these types of streams are very common worldwide. My findings indicate that the energy base in open-canopy streams may be terrestrially derived organic matter, as in forested streams, but constraints imposed by habitat traits and differences in organic matter input size may have significant consequences on stream productivity. My results may be important for increased understanding of potential effects of land use changes (i.e. forestry, agriculture, urbanization) and environmental changes (i.e. climate change) on stream ecosystems.

Teaching Basic Lab Skills Using Diverse Microbial Communities in a Biologically Relevant Context

We present a laboratory-based exercise that is used to teach basic lab skills (e.g., aseptic technique and enumeration) using naturally occurring microbial communities in a real biological context. Students examine the colonization by microbial communities of leaves that fall into streams. Leaf decomposition reflects enzymatic activity by microorganisms such as aquatic fungi and bacteria and maceration by invertebrate shredders. The microorganisms help facilitate the cycling of nutrients and energy in the stream's ecosystem. This exercise effectively teaches students to use lab skills to quantify microorganisms found in nature, investigates groups of microorganisms involved in leaf degradation in streams, and stimulates interest in both microbiology and ecology.

Invertebrates Minimize Accumulation of Metals and Metalloids in Contaminated Environments

Many studies were conducted measuring the lethal concentration of pollutants by using a contaminated solution or polluted sediments. Considering the impact of polluted food on mortality and uptake quantity of invertebrate shredders in batch cultures, little is known about, e.g. uranium and cadmium. Consequently, we investigated in situ the impact of metal and metalloid polluted food and water on Gammarus pulex L. under nature-like conditions. In contrast to other publications, a very low mortality rate of the invertebrates was found. Furthermore, fixation of elements by G. pulex was shown to be low compared to initial concentrations. Fixation of non essential metals and metalloids is shown to take place mainly on the surface of the invertebrates. This is deduced from easy desorption of a relevant amount of fixed metals and metalloids. It is concluded that the accumulation of metals and metalloids in situ under nature-like conditions within the food web via invertebrate shredders is very low. The invertebrates seem to minimize the uptake of non essential elements in the presence of nutrient-rich food even in habitats with higher contamination levels. Hence, invertebrates seem to be adapted to higher contamination levels in their favourable habitats.

Contrasting effects of cross-ecosystem subsidies and predation on benthic invertebrates in two Pacific coastal streams

Cross-ecosystem subsidies, such as terrestrial invertebrates and leaf litter falling into water as resources for aquatic communities, can vary across environmental gradients. We examined whether the effect of terrestrial subsidy inputs on benthic invertebrates was mediated by resident coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) in two representative streams. We experimentally manipulated the input rates (reduced, ambient) of terrestrial subsidies (terrestrial invertebrates and leaf litter) as well as the presence or absence of cutthroat trout in the two streams. The hypothesis that the reduction of terrestrial subsidies to the stream influences benthic invertebrate assemblages was supported by experimental results. The treatments of terrestrial subsidy reduction and cutthroat trout presence had a significant negative effect on benthic invertebrate community biomass and shredder biomass in East Creek with high natural terrestrial subsidy input and small amount of large wood in channel. In contrast, results from Spring Creek with low subsidy input and large amount of large wood in channel showed that only the terrestrial subsidy reduction significantly reduced the biomass of shredders. The effects of the terrestrial subsidy input and trout predation on benthic invertebrate communities varied between the two streams. Our results indicate that a subsidy effect on benthic communities can vary between nearby streams differing in canopy and habitats. This study, with the major finding of highly context-dependent effects of spatial subsidies, suggests that the interplay of resource subsidies and predators on invertebrate community assemblages can be site-specific and context-dependent on habitat features.

Drought impact on stream detritivores: experimental effects on leaf litter breakdown and life cycles

Predictions of effects of global climate change include decreased runoff for many parts of the world, which will result in drying of streams. Information of the effects of drought on aquatic ecosystems is limited and little is known of the effects on ecosystem functions. Our main objective was to measure the direct effects of drought on leaf litter breakdown by invertebrate shredders in a controlled laboratory experiment. We hypothesized a decreased breakdown at high drought level. Single-species and multi-species treatments with three shredder species (Asellus aquaticus, Limnephilus bipunctatus, and L. flavicornis) were set up in an experiment with three drought level treatments, control, medium, and high drought (6 cm water level, 1 cm water level, and water level below sediment surface, respectively). Breakdown measured as leaf litter loss was significantly lower in both medium and high drought treatments compared to the control. Previously, decreased breakdown due to drying has been reported, but attributed to low densities of invertebrate shredders. We show that even when shredders are present, drought decreases the breakdown. Drought treatments also induced earlier pupation for the caddisfly L. flavicornis. Shifts in species phenology due to drought, e.g., earlier emergence, may affect species ability to adult survival and reproduction. Shifts in timing of emergence may also affect terrestrial food webs, where emerging aquatic insects may constitute an important food subsidy. Our knowledge of the complex effects of droughts in aquatic systems is limited with an urgent need of extended knowledge of the ecological effects of droughts on freshwater ecosystem functioning.