Characteristics of Macroinvertebrates Food Webs affected by Dry Channel in an Intermittent Stream System of the Echi River in Japan

The purpose of study is to identify trophic pathways from organic matter to macroinvertebrates in terms of the consumer and to characterize the food webs in an intermittent stream system of the Echi River in Japan. The ${\delta}^{13}C$ values of macroinvertebrates and their potential food sources indicated the scraper (Psephenoides spp., Ecdyonurus levis) and collector-gatherer (Ephemera strigata, Paraleptonphlebia chocolata) feed on periphyton and POM (particulate organic matter) in situ. Davidius lunatus, and Hexatoma spp., which were identified as predators, may feed upon Ephemera strigata and Stenelmis larvae, respectively. At station characterized by seepage water, the ${\delta}^{15}N$ values of Ecdyonurus levis, Lymnaea auricularia, and Rhyacophila nigrocephala larva probably showed relatively lower values according to its diets. Even in homogenous species, the trophic pathways of macroinvertebrates in situ exhibited considerable variation; this reflected the trophic pathways from organic matter to the consumer depending on habitat characteristics in stream.