Project 2 - Taxonomy of Mayflies and Aquatic Invertebrates

In order to provide baseline taxonomic data for effective environmental and ecological research in aquatic ecosystems, taxonomic revisions will be undertaken for key aquatic macroinvertebrates. Initial studies will focus on the Ephemeroptera, in particular the Baetidae, and the aquatic Lepidoptera, using a combination of morphological and molecular techniques.

Challenges

Mayflies and other aquatic macroinvertebrates are widely used for monitoring of freshwater quality in rivers, streams and wetlands. The taxonomic knowledge of adults and juvenile forms (nymphs and larvae) are incomplete and inconsistent such that it is not possible to recognize different species from juvenile or adult forms. National programs on river health are limited by models based only at the Family level of identification which generally allows recognition of gross impacts but not subtle changes. The next generation of monitoring requires increased accuracy and species level identification to detect the more subtle environmental changes associated with human impact, consumptive use of water, environmental flows and climate change.

Seeking solutions

We are studying aquatic invertebrates, with particular attention to the Ephemeroptera (mayflies) to improve their capacity to be used to detect environmental changes due to impacts or restoration programs. Where possible other important indicators will be included in the program. Phenotypic and molecular datasets will be combined with different life history stages using contemporary DNA barcoding approaches with the aim to provide web-based interactive keys to species, and information will be delivered in various formats including as web-based interactive keys, image collections, and formal descriptions.

Benefits

Greater knowledge of the aquatic macroinvertebrates will enable more scientifically informed water quality monitoring. Material will be prepared together with the bioinformatics project so that information generated in the project can be delivered in various formats, including as web-based interactive keys to species and made accessible to a wide range of users. The interactive keys to all life stages will enable improved detection of subtle changes in the inland aquatic systems and improve management of biodiversity and the environmental condition of inland waters. All tools developed will be made available online and to all potential users. In addition the data collected will be available for global taxonomic and biogeographical studies.