A comparison of aquatic and semiaquatic Heteroptera (Hemiptera) inhabiting natural habitats and experimental mesocosms at the University of Mississippi Field Station

Abstract

Aquatic and semiaquatic Heteroptera (Hemiptera) in the infraorders Gerromorpha and Nepomorpha were collected from the University of Mississippi Field Station (UMFS) in north-central Mississippi from May 2014 until August 2019. UMFS encompasses over 200 ponds, springs, wetlands, and streams in the headwaters of the Little Tallahatchie River. We collected insects from mesocosm experiments and natural water bodies in order to survey and document the aquatic and semiaquatic Heteroptera of UMFS. A total of 20,304 individuals were collected representing 43 species in 20 genera and 10 families (Belostomatidae, Corixidae, Gerridae, Hebridae, Hydrometridae, Mesoveliidae, Naucoridae, Nepidae, Notonectidae, Veliidae). We compare mesocosms and natural water bodies in terms of species present and their abundances, and we also provide notes on the abundance, distribution, and habitats of some species, with new state records for three species.

Keywords:

• biodiversity
• freshwater macroinvertebrates
• Gerromorpha
• Nepomorpha
• Mississippi

Acknowledgements

Jason Bohenek, Tyler Breech, Lauren Eveland, Christina Hoffman, Rachel Kroeger, Bianca Martinez, Brandon McDaniel, Sarah McNamara, Zachary Mitchell, Kevin Potts, and Reed Scott helped collect and process insects. Richard Brown and Terence Schiefer facilitated the deposition of voucher specimens at the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Collecting was approved by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (permits 0624141, 0521162, 0525171, and 0502182). Some mesocosms housed vertebrates, which was approved by the University of Mississippi’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (protocols 14-027 and 18-011). This is publication number 10 of the Center for Biodiversity & Conservation Research at the University of Mississippi.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The support was provided by the University of Mississippi, University of Mississippi Field Station, and the Henry L. and Grace Doherty Foundation.