TAXONOMY & NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN MAYFLIES, STONEFLIES, & CADDISFLIES
Dr. John Morse, Clemson University & Dr. Matt Green, NCDEQ
June 11, 2024 – June 23, 2024
Natural history and taxonomy of mayflies (Ephemeroptera), stoneflies (Plecoptera), and caddisflies (Trichoptera), including systematics, ecology, and behavior of larvae and adults, with emphasis on those aspects important in ecological studies, biological monitoring of water quality, and sport fishing. Students will collect insects from mountain stream habitats and identify them in the laboratory.
Prerequisites: Students should have prior training in zoology, but not necessarily entomology.
To learn:
- the literature, characters, and methods for identification of EPT larvae (at least to genus) and adults (at least to family)
- morphological, physiological, and behavioral modifications for life in the fresh water
- life history characteristics and habitat preferences of the different EPT groups
- a variety of qualitative and semi-quantitative collecting techniques appropriate for ecological studies and biological monitoring of water quality.
