About This Project

It is predicted that extreme weather events due to climate change will result in higher than average streamflow. This study will examine the effects of increased streamflow on the burrowing behavior of the giant mayfly, Hexagenia limbata, in the lab. An array of thin-spaced-chambers will be used to observe the effects of flow rate on the nymphs' U-shaped burrow structure. This undergraduate aquatic entomology research will provide new information about an otherwise well-known species.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The Giant Mayfly is one of the best-known mayflies in North America. A great deal of research has been conducted on its nymphs (immature stage), including work on taxonomy, distribution, ecology, mass rearing, use in sediment bioassays, importance of gills, effects of temperature, oxygen levels, salinity, food quantity, density, and photoperiod, However, burrow construction by the nymph has been mostly ignored, the most authors say on the subjects it that it's "U-shaped". Burrows offer nymphs protection and are important for respiration, feeding, and possibly temperature control. This project represents an important step towards understanding the structure and function of Giant Mayfly burrows, fundamental attributes that help us understand the biology of this important species.

What is the significance of this project?

Increased streamflow is one of many predicted outcomes of climate change for some regions of North America. Research has been conducted on the purposes of burrows made by Giant Mayflies in streams, but these rarely investigate the structure itself and none discuss the effects that higher streamflow will have on mayflies or their burrows. This novel research will produce new information on how well the Giant Mayfly can cope with an important aspect of climate change, and will lead to a better understanding of the species' biology and ecology.

What are the goals of the project?

The goals of the project are to investigate the impacts higher streamflow rates have on Giant Mayfly burrow shape and construction. I will use established techniques to observe nymphs in specialized thin-spaced-chambers with clear glass sides, which will allow for me to observe the behavior of each nymph as it constructs and feeds in its burrow and the often-complex structure of the resulting burrow under different flow regimes. Photographs and videos will allow me to record and compare complex behavior and make multiple measurements of finished burrows that can be subjected to statistical analysis.