Plecoptera (Insecta) Diversity in Indiana: A Watershed-Based Analysis

Plecoptera, an environmentally sensitive order of aquatic insects commonly used in water quality monitoring is experiencing decline across the globe. This study addresses landscape factors that impact species richness stoneflies using US Geological Survey Hierarchical Unit Code 8 drainage scale (HUC8) state Indiana. Over 6300 specimen records from regional museums, literature, and recent efforts were assigned to HUC8 drainages. A total 93 recorded state. The three richest 38 HUC8s Lower East Fork White (66 species), Blue-Sinking (58), (51) drainages, all concentrated southern unglaciated part Richness was predicted nine variables, reduced 116 subjected AICc importance hierarchical partitioning. revealed four variables associated with Plecoptera richness, topographic wetness index, area, % soil hydrolgroup C/D, historic wetland ecosystem. partitioning indicated cherty red clay surface geology as significantly important predicting richness. analysis highlights hydrology glacial history Plecoptera. accumulated data are primed be for monograph production, niche modeling, conservation status assessment entire assemblage a large geographic area.