Aquatic Insects in Hot Water

A research study conducted by Buglife’s Conservation Director Craig Macadam, reveals that aquatic insects in British freshwater are at risk from climate change.

The study was published in Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems and looks at ecological preference and other characteristics of mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies.

It discovered that 16 species are subjected to the effects of climate change. The species include the Upland summer mayfly (Ameletus inopinatus) which is retreating higher into the hills as the water temperature rise, and the Slender curved caddisfly (Adicella filicornis) which habitats in tiny trickles which could be prone to drying up as temperatures rise.

Certain species might be already affected by climate warnings. The Small grey sedge (Glossosoma intermedium) was last found in 2001 and may now be extinct, while the Widow stonefly (Capnia vidua anglica) and Late brown stonefly (Protonemura montana) are increasingly difficult to find.

The study also found key areas for potentially vulnerable species in the Cairngorms Snowdonia, Lake District and Peak District, together with parts of Yorkshire and Norfolk.

“Climate change is widely recognised as being one of the major long-term threats to insects. This analysis has shown that some freshwater insects are particularly vulnerable to climate warming. We need to use this information to target measures such as tree planting to shade and cool rivers and streams to give these insects the best possible chance to adapt and survive,” said Craig Macadam, Buglife Conservation Director.