Effects of Zebra Mussel Colonization on Dragonfly Larvae Burying Behavior

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Document

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) invaded North American aquatic ecosystems in 1986, altering ecological communities and harming human infrastructure. Zebra mussels have been found attached to dragonfly larvae, decreasing the likelihood of successful emergence as adults. This study assesses negative impacts zebra mussel colonization has on dragonfly larvae by testing the effects of colonization on dragonfly burying behavior. Macromia illinoiensis larvae and zebra mussels were tested at Douglas Lake, Michigan in July and August 2009. Weather and water temperature affected uncolonized burial time, but not uncolonized burial depth. Uncolonized burial time, head width, and body area predicted which individual dragonflies got colonized. Once individuals were colonized, their burial depth was impaired, which could lead to early mortality. Because dragonflies link aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, increased early mortality of dragonflies could cause cascading effects across ecosystems.

    Item Description
    Name(s)
    Thesis advisor: Chernoff, Barry
    Date
    April 15, 2010
    Extent
    56 pages
    Language
    eng
    Genre
    Physical Form
    electronic
    Discipline
    Rights and Use
    In Copyright – Non-Commercial Use Permitted
    Digital Collection
    PID
    ir:329