Host selection and partitioning of midges (Diptera: Chironomidae, Ceratopogonidae) by Hydrachnidiae

The group commonly known as watermites (Hydrachnidiae), are parasitic as larvae on several orders of aquatic insects. Many Hydrachnids have coevolved with aquatic Diptera, particularly Nematocera such as Chironomidae. Little work has been done in North America, particularly the Ozarks, on the relationships that exist between Hydrachnidiae and Nematocera. Additionally, because adult and larval water mites possess completely different morphology, identification and linkage of life-stages has been a major hindrance to water mite studies. The goal of this project is to determine which species Hydrachnids parasitize chironomids in Northwest Arkansas streams. Other data collected includes host specificity, rates of parasitism, larval attachment site, and host partitioning. SLAM Traps and sweep netting are used to collect adult chironomids and ceratopogonids from May to September. Adult mites are collected in the streams by disturbing the benthic layer, which flows down stream through a fine mesh net. Location of larval attachment is recorded before larvae are removed for identification.