Emergence of amphibiotic insects from a floodplain lake in the Usman Forest in the Central Russian forest steppe

Abstract

In this article the emergence of insects from a floodplain lake of the small Usman River in the Usman Forest (Voronezh oblast) is analyzed. The abundance and frequency of occurrence of 103 species from 7 orders are estimated. Widespread and dominant species and groups (Chaoborus flavicans (Mg.) (Diptera), Cloeon inscriptum (Bgtss.), C. dipterum (L.) (Ephemeroptera), and Scirtes hemisphaericus (L.) (Coleoptera)) are defined. For the vegetative period, the abundance of emerging insects accounts for 1795.5 ± 174.0 ind/m² of the water surface; their biomass amounts to 6756 ± 607.5 mg/m². The extent of the removal of biomass is measured in weight and energy units. Also, the removal of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and essential fatty acids through the emergence of insects to floodplain terrestrial ecosystems are estimated.