| This study investigated relationships among functional wetland plant groups, insects, and hydroperiods in Central Ohio wetlands on Morrow Meadows Pond, Hoover Nature Preserve, and the Hebron Fish Hatchery. The orthopteran Conocephalus fasciatus was collected in a wide range of wetland types especially those with ruderal-type plants and unpredictable hydroperiods. In contrast, Conocephalus brevipennis preferred tussock and interstitial plants in more predictable hydroperiods. The pygmy backswimmer, Neoplea striola, was found in ponds with longer hydroperiods, tall tussocks and clonal dominants. Its life history fits the autumnal pool template: long life, predictable seasonal growth rates, and overwintering in water or moist litter. The coleopterans, Haliplus immaculicollis, Hydrovatus pustulatus and Enochrus oechrus also preferred clonal dominant stands with stable hydroperiods compared to Copelatus glyphicus which was collected only in temporary pools with ruderals, reed interstitials, and short tussocks.; Conceptually, the temporary pool template selects for emergent plants that either grow fast and reproduce in dry periods, or, for plants that tolerate flooding stress and grow slowly. It also selects for aquatic insects that have short life spans, long-diapause eggs, and quick growth rates. The semi-permanent pond template selects for competitive plants that tolerate long periods of flooding and for invertebrates that may be large predators, lack desiccation resistant stages, and develop over longer time intervals. |
