Group

Vernal Pool Caddisflies, Amphibian Egg Masses, and Fairy Shrimp

Research Questions: What is the distribution of caddisflies, fairy shrimp, and amphibian species in vernal pools in the Northeast? How will their distribution change as the climate warms?

Why this matters

Vernal pools contribute to healthy forest ecosystems. The species that rely on vernal pools are are an important part of the forest food web. But where and when can we find them? As climate changes, bringing changes in snow and rainfall patterns and temperature, where might we find them in the future?

Partner
  • University of Maine
Season

Spring

Vernal Pool Caddisflies, Amphibian Egg Masses, and Fairy Shrimp

Vernal pools contribute to the biodiversity of healthy forest ecosystems . The pools fill up each spring with melting snow and rainfall and dry out as the weather gets warmer and dryer. This cycle of filling and drying loads the pools with nutrients and prevents fish predators from settling in. For this reason, vernal pools support a variety of life that is tightly adapted to temporary waters including fairy shrimp, certain species of amphibians, and some types of caddisflies. In the early spring, vernal pools brim with life while other areas of the forest are quiet. They provide food for birds, mammals, reptiles, and other amphibians spring through fall.

Climate change means changing temperatures and precipitation patterns: this may affect when the vernal pools fill and when they dry out. We need your help to understand where vernal pool species are now so we can track how climate change might affect them. Join our project by searching vernal pools in your area and reporting which species you do (or don't) find. Contribute to this project in the spring when vernal pools are full. Be careful not to disturb the precious and fragile vernal pool habitats!

Learn more:

Project Owners

Aram

Aram Calhoun

University of Maine

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Hamish

Hamish Grieg

University of Maine

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Project Partners

University of Maine