Plecopterans of Northern Kentucky

Abstract

The orders of insects: Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies), and Trichoptera (caddisflies), are used as important indicator species of stream health. Past macroinvertebrate sampling efforts of our lab demonstrated low representation of Plecoptera in the EPT biodiversity of Northern Kentucky stream systems. I am systematically sampling streams in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties testing the hypothesis thatPlecopterans are found in habitats with scores above 85 on a standard Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) score, and with a goal to create a distribution map of native stoneflies in the northern Kentucky area. Plecopterans are currently most abundant in headwater stream reaches.