Observations on the seasonal dynamics of Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera) in an intermittent reservoir outflow at Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

Surber samples of hydropsychid Trichoptera larvae were collected in two seasons of water flow from a large reservoir spillway in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Southwestern Nigeria. The Trichoptera fauna in the water body consisted of two genera, Cheumatopsyche and Amphipsyche, which closely associated with the moss, Fontinalis (Bryophyta). The density of larvae increased with the occurrence and bloom of moss. The changes in density of larvae are discussed with reference to the resources provided by the moss and possible life cycle strategies adopted by the caddisflies, which enable them to survive in the unstable habitat.


JOURNAL OF AQUATIC SCIENCES Volume 16, Number 2, October 2001, pp. 139-143




KEY WORDS:

Caddisfly larvae, seasonal changes, Fontinalis, reservoir outflow, Ile-Ife, Nigeria