The purpose of this study is to provide baseline descriptive information on the invertebrate fauna inhabiting freshwater sponges and document aspects of the population biology of spongillaflies. Our objectives included: describe the aquatic habitat of larval spongillaflies in terms of physical/chemical attributes; compare the diversity and abundance of the invertebrate taxa inhabiting freshwater sponges as a function of depth and sponge microhabitat and; compare larval spongillafly growth rates as a funciton of depth and microhabitats. Freshwater sponges were collected in a quarry from three depths · Shallow · 23-24 feet ·, Middle · 27-29 feet · deep · 33-38 feet · and three locations · quarry wall, floor and submerged structure · and examined for spongillaflies and other macroinvertebrates. Spongillafliy abundance was significantly greater than any other invertebrate found on the sponges. Other macroinvertebrates inhabiting sponges included chironomids, other diptera, Ceraclea caddisflies, anisopteran and zygopteran odonates, amphipods, isopods and snails. Spongillaflies were most abundant on the quarry floor and in the deepest water.
Ceraclea caddisflies and amphipods were most abundant on sponges at shallow depths. Chironomids were more abundant on sponges located on submerged structures such as boats.
Species 1: Neuroptera Sysyridae Climacia sp (spongillafly)
Keywords: Freshwater sponges, spongillafly
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