Andrew Sheldon

Possible climate-induced shift of stoneflies in a southern Appalachian catchment

Abstract I collected stoneflies (Plecoptera∶Perlidae) across gradients of elevation and stream size within a 274-km2 catchment in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1977–1978. I repeated collections of 2 focal species in 2006. Regional climate warmed ∼0.72°C during the interval. Models of stonefly responses to temperature change predicted uphill shifts of 100 to 140 m. One abundant species, Acroneuria abnormis, shifted uphill 60 to 250 m depending on the measure of range shift. Uphill shift was strongly supported by logistic regression and information criteria. The less common Eccoptura xanthenes shifted −61 to +105 m based on several metrics, and no regression model was supported. Data for E. xanthenes, confounded by landscape change and detectability issues, were inadequate to support any conclusion about range shift. Stream acidity has shifted downslope in recent years, counter to the observed uphill shift by A. abnormis, a pattern that supports increasing temperature as the determinant of range limits for this species. Rate of uphill shift by A. abnormis (median elevation, +24 m/decade) was similar to changes by plants and animals in other places.

A review of eastern Nearctic Zapada (Plecoptera, Nemouridae) with a new species from the Great Smoky Mountains

We describe a new species, Zapada fumosa n. sp., from the southern Appalachian Mountains. In addition, we collected the rare species Zapada chila (Ricker) for the 1st time in 35 y. We reviewed the eastern Nearctic Zapada (Plecoptera, Nemouridae) fauna and give brief, amended descriptions for Z. chila and Z. katahdin Baumann and Mingo. We illustrated males and gills of all 3 eastern Zapada species with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and provide a key to the adult stage. Zapada fumosa n. sp. appears to be closely related to Zapada cinctipes (Banks), a broadly distributed western Nearctic species. Unlike most widely distributed and common western Zapada, eastern Zapada are uncommon or have restricted ranges. Rarity and the potential for impending extinction of Z. chila and Z. fumosa n. sp. are discussed in light of altitudinal range reduction and climate warming issues.

Distributional Ecology of a Rare, Endemic Stonefly

Abstract: Rare species are difficult to study or conserve. Beloneuria jamesae Stark and Szczytko (Cheaha Stone) (Plecoptera:Perlidae) is endemic to the Talladega Mountains, Alabama, USA, rarely collected, and considered imperiled. We collected stonefly larvae at 181 locations and found Cheaha Stone at 33% of these. Species distribution modeling by classification tree analysis identified elevation, stream size, and permanence as key habitat variables. Cheaha Stone was most prevalent in small permanent streams at higher elevation but extended into larger streams with sources at high elevation. Populations occurred infrequently in small streams at lower elevations. The known distribution of Cheaha Stone is protected within public lands, but climate warming and possible increases in drought frequency and severity could restrict the species to fragmented populations in small streams draining the highest summits of this low mountain range. Our georeferenced data and explicit classification tree are foundations for monitoring and management and are guidelines for seeking Cheaha Stone outside its known geographic range.

The stoneflies (Insecta, Plecoptera) of the Talladega Mountain region, Alabama, USA: distribution, elevation, endemism, and rarity patterns

Abstract Background The Talladega Mountain region of eastern Alabama is the southernmost outlier of the ancient Appalachian Mountains, including the highest peaks and ranges in the state. Collections of stoneflies (Plecoptera) previously here have been sporadic yet has led to several new species descriptions in modern times (James 1974, James 1976, Stark and Szczytko 1976, Kondratieff and Kirchner 1996, Szczytko and Kondratieff 2015) and expanded our understanding of southeastern US stoneflies. During the period 2003–2012 we conducted an intensive inventory of the stonefly fauna of the Talladega Mountain region. We collected across all months from 192 unique localities, covering a broad range of stream sizes and elevation gradients present in the region. New information A total of 57 confirmed species across eight of the nine Nearctic families were collected as adults (Table 4), including four species described as new during the study period (Table 2). Leuctra crossi James, 1974 was easily the most common species collected. Median elevations per species ranged from 174 m (Clioperla clio (Newman, 1839)) to 410 m (Leuctra triloba Claassen, 1923 (Fig. 3). Dot distribution maps were included for all 57 species plus one for undetermined nymphs of Pteronarcys Newman, 1838 (Figs. 4–19). As many as seven species may be endemic to the region but sampling efforts northeastward into Georgia, plus additional focused sampling in Alabama and a comprehensive examination of all available material held in museums and personal collections, are needed for confirmation.

Stoneflies (Plecoptera) of Nevada

Abstract. Stoneflies (Plecoptera) are a dominant group in running freshwaters. We report 104 stonefly species from Nevada. The fauna contains species with Sierra Nevada—Cascade range affinities, few of which penetrate far eastward, and Rocky Mountain species extending to western Nevada. Endemics, species associated with the large interior Humboldt River, and species with northern or southern boundaries in Nevada add zoogeographic complexity. From 3531 stonefly records in Nevada, we provide an annotated discussion and collection data for the species present. This material is a foundation for continuing research on Plecoptera and for monitoring vital stream ecosystems in this arid region of western North America. Collection records from this study are compiled in the Nevada Stonefly Database, which is archived and accessible at http://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/mwnan/vol10/iss1/1.