HABITAT PREFERENCE OF LARGE PREDATORY AQUATIC INSECTS (MEGALOPTERA AND ODONATA) IN OZARK STREAMS OF ARKANSAS

摘要

Megaloptera and odonata larvae were collected from the White and Illinois rivers and Clear Creek in northwest Arkansas from February 1991 through February 1992. Collections were made from both coarse woody debris (CWD) and benthic habitats. Megalopterans were collected in significantly greater densities from benthic habitats (33 ± 8/m~2) than from coarse woody debris (7 ± 2/m~2). There was no significant difference in odonate density between the two habitat types. Of the insects collected, the megalopterans Corydalus cornutus and Sialis sp., and the odonate Stylogomphus albistylus had significantly greater densities in benthic habitats. No other species collected exhibited a significant preference for habitat type. Corydalus cornutus inhabiting wood exhibited a significant preference for wood that was well decayed and for wood with rough-textured bark.