A Study Of The Effects Of Seasonal Changes On Benthic Invertebrates In Prickly Pear Creek, Jefferson County, Montana

Abstract

Total number and generic diversity of benthic insects in Prickly Pear Creek, Jefferson Countyi T9N, R3W, Sections 23 and 26, were investigated during July and October. Quantitative studies showed that the invertebrate population was greatly increased in the summer to fall transition. Trichoptera was the most numerous order during both July and October sampling periods. In the seasonal transition it was noted that the total number of Trichoptera, Plecoptera, and Diptera increased, while that of Ephemeroptera and Coleoptera decreased. The generic diversity of Plecoptera increased, Ephemeroptera decreased and the remaining orders remained relatively constant.