Comparative analysis of aquatic insect, amphipod, and isopod communities in rheocrene spring systems of Missouri State Parks

Spring systems in Missouri provide critical initial discharge from subterranean aquifers to streams and harbor a unique biota. However, little research has been conducted on the crenobiology or ecology in these systems. In this study, aquatic insect, amphipod, and isopod communities were examined in 12 rheocrene (flowing) spring systems in Missouri state parks. The goal of this study was to create a comprehensive list of species present in all studied systems, analyze changes in community composition among select spring systems in relation to environmental gradients, and determine if current stream biomonitoring protocol can be applied to rheocrene spring systems. Sorenson’s similarity coefficient and UPGMA cluster analysis suggested that differences between high discharge spring systems may be related to the presence of trout and trout fisherman. Renkonen’s similarity coefficient and cluster analysis suggested that differences between low discharge spring systems may be related to the aquatic faunal region in which each is located, as species assemblages in Prairie and Big River faunal region springs were dissimilar from those in Ozark springs. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that environmental conditions differ among springs, which may explain the observed differences in community composition. Several state and federally listed species of conservation concern and species endemic to the Interior Highlands were collected. Based on the community composition of low discharge spring systems, it is unlikely that current biomonitoring protocol would be useful if applied; however, this protocol may be useful for high discharge spring systems due to their higher abundance and diversity of aquatic insects.