Aquatic Oligochaeta in Illinois caves

S.J. Taylor, M.J. Wetzel, D.W. Webb

The diversity and abundance of aquatic oligochaetes in Illinois cave stream sediments is being assessed through monthly collection of replicated sediment core and Hess/Surber samples and associated sediment samples for chemical analyses. New state records for Illinois' cave fauna are being identified. To examine the biomass of worms in cave stream sediments, worm volume is being calculated from length-width data collected from slide mounted material. These data are being combined with sample volume data and specific identifications to develop biomass estimates for the caves. In addition, worm data are being associated with sediment chemistry data, including heavy metal concentrations, to examine possible relationships between sediment chemistry with worm faunal composition.

Distribution of aquatic Annelida in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

M.J. Wetzel

An inventory of the aquatic Annelida of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) was initiated in September 1999 as part of the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory program sponsored by Discover Life In America, Inc. and the GSMNP. Numerous taxonomists and systematists with expertise in one or more groups of plants and animals are being assisted by ecologists, data specialists, aquatic and terrestrial biologists, teachers, students, and regional volunteers to inventory all species in the park. To date, aquatic annelids have been collected from one spring and 11 stream sites in the park. A preliminary list of aquatic Annelida known or thought likely to occur in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding states and current status of this research is available via the INHS World Wide Web server.