Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling

Sampling

-WHAT All available invertebrate taxa in the entire 200

foot stream reach -WHERE

All available habitats

in sample area Riffles Runs Pools

Along stream margins

Capturing Specimens Find larger substrates

rocks, woody debris, leaf packs Place net with small mesh downstream Gently disturb substrate upstream Capture dislodged specimens in net Collect 30 minutes minimum

Specimens in Net

Rinse net remove small particles Dump left over debris in white pan Rinse net into pan Catch smaller quicker organisms with pipette1 Collect until no new taxa observed

(minimum 30 minutes)

Filling out PHWH Form

Record the presence and abundance For all taxa Record this on the HMFEI Scoring Sheet

Record Family or Genus For mayfly, caddisfly, stonefly groups

Voucher Specimens

What are they? a preserved specimen a basis for further study evidence of validity of collection and identification a part of a permanent collection

How to preserve Materials

Jars Tags Pencil Fluid

Methods Place specimen(s) in jar Fill out tag Place tag in jar Add fluid to top Close tightly

Information for Field Tags

Date Collector’s Name County Township Stream Identification