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Differential influence of a monotypic and diverse native aquatic plant bed on a macroinvertebrate assemblage; an experimental implication of exotic plant induced habitat

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Abstract

Aquatic plants mediate ecological processes in aquatic habitats, specifically predator–prey (bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque)-macroinvertebrate) interactions. Macroinvertebrate colonization is directly and indirectly influenced by substrate heterogeneity, interstitial space, and surface complexity. Exotic invasive plant species, such as Hydrilla verticillata L.F. Royle, may alter the available structure in aquatic habitat by creating a shift to a homogeneous habitat, thus affecting the macroinvertebrate community. Since macroinvertebrates provide a food base for young phytophilic fishes, changes in their density and abundance may alter food webs. We investigated the hypothesis that macroinvertebrate community structure is influenced by differences in habitat heterogeneity by measuring difference between a heterogeneous native aquatic plant bed, homogenous hydrilla plant bed, and habitat with no plants. Studies were conducted in the field (pond) and the experimental treatments were: (1) no plants, (2) monotypic bed of hydrilla, and (3) diverse native plants. Aquatic plants, regardless of species, supported greater macroinvertebrate abundance, richness, and biomass. Macroinvertebrate abundance, richness, and biomass in a hydrilla-dominated habitat did not differ significantly from a diverse plant habitat, except for richness in October. Indicator taxa did differ significantly between respective treatments, suggesting a change in species composition. However, no significant effect of fish predation on macroinvertebrate populations and/or community structure was documented. The data suggest that a shift from a natural mosaic of vegetated habitat to a highly complex monotypic habitat (e.g., exotic hydrilla) may reduce spatial heterogeneity important to structuring a macroinvertebrate assemblage.

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Acknowledgments

We thank L. D’Abramo and B. Leopold for their valuable editorial comments. Much appreciation goes to B. LaValley and A. Wiseman for their support in the laboratory at processing macroinvertebrate samples, and to A. Perret and R. Theel for assisting in the field. This research was supported by the U.S. Geological Survey Biological Resources Discipline Invasive Species Program, under award number 04HQAG013504101049. We thank MAFES personnel at Mississippi State University's Aquaculture facility.

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  1. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Mississippi State University, 100 Thompson Hall, Stone Blvd., Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA

    Heather J. Theel & Eric D. Dibble

  2. GeoResources Institute, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, USA

    John D. Madsen

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  1. Heather J. Theel
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  2. Eric D. Dibble
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Correspondence to Eric D. Dibble.

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Handling editor: S. M. Thomaz

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Theel, H.J., Dibble, E.D. & Madsen, J.D. Differential influence of a monotypic and diverse native aquatic plant bed on a macroinvertebrate assemblage; an experimental implication of exotic plant induced habitat. Hydrobiologia 600, 77–87 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-007-9177-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-007-9177-z

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