Unique habitat and macroinvertebrate assemblage structures in spring-fed streams: a comparison among lowland tributaries and mainstreams in northern Japan

Abstract

The stable flow and temperature regimes of spring-fed streams are distinct from the dynamic regimes of other streams. We investigated differences in habitat and macroinvertebrate assemblages among three stream types (spring-fed tributary, non-spring-fed tributary and mainstream) in a clastic lowland of northern Japan. Current velocity was the slowest in the spring-fed reach, where the percent of fine sediment deposition was also 3.8-11.4 times higher than in the other stream types. The standing stock of detritus was also greater in the spring-fed reach. These results suggest that the stable flow regime in the spring-fed stream leads to the accumulation of fine sediment and detritus on the streambed. Oligochaeta and chironomids, which are burrower-gatherers, were remarkably abundant in the spring-fed reach. Total macroinvertebrate abundance was 3.8-12.2 times greater in the spring-fed reach than in the other stream types. Sprawler-grazer ephemeropterans were the most abundant in the mainstream reaches, likely due to higher primary productivity. Allomyia sp, which depend on cool spring-fed habitats, were found only in the spring-fed reach. The indicator species analysis also indicated multiple taxa of detritivores and Allomyia sp. for the spring-fed tributary. The macroinvertebrate assemblage in the spring-fed reach was characterized by numerous burrowers, collector-gatherers, and crenobiont taxa, highlighting the uniqueness and its contribution to enhance beta diversity in river networks.