Earth Design Consultants, Inc.

{AQUATIC INSECT WORKSHOPS

Wetland Assessment Techniques: Using Adult Insects to Characterize Wetland Ecosystems

Wetland Scientists have a variety of tools available to them to assess wetland structure and function. These tools range from the high-tech use of GIS & hyperspectral imagery to the 'no-tech' assessment of plants & insects. Insects are well suited to evaluate wetland integrity. They are a ubiquitous group of relatively short-lived organisms possessing a wide variety of ecological requirements and life history strategies that make them sensitive to many of the factors that structure ecosystems.

The ecological requirements of many insects are relatively well known, making it possible for the presence or abundance of some groups to be used as ecological indicators. Indeed, insects have been used to assess the ecological integrity of terrestrial ecosystems (see KREMEN et al. 1993) and of streams and rivers (HILSENHOFF 1982, KARR 1987, 1991, OHIO EPA 1989, PLAFKIN et al. 1989). However, sampling insects in wetlands can be problematic. While the identification of insect species requires specialized knowledge, grouping insects into orders or families can be accomplished with minimal training.

During the workshop, we reviewed some of the tools & methods that I've used to assess wetlands and estuaries at sites throughout North America. I showed examples of how we've used remotely sense imagery (hyperspectral) and plant transects to characterize wetland vegetation and stratify sample sites. We then adjourned to a nearby wetland site where we collected insect material, using a variety of trapping techniques. We discussed the Pros and Cons of each technique. Once the insects were subdued, we returned indoors & spent time identifying them. We worked a few hours with insect keys, forceps and trays of ethyl alcohol. We supplied several microscopes, forceps, and trays for participant's use.

Contact Information

Wetland & Watershed Assessment Group
Earth Design Consultants, Inc.
800 NW Starker, Suite 1
Corvallis, OR 97330
(541) 757-7896
(541 757-7991 FAX
http://www.earthdesign.com