Differential Response of Algae on Small Streambed Substrates to Floods

The effect of floods and base flow on temporal variation in algal biomass on small smooth streambed stones and creviced sand-cases of the caddisfly (Insecta: Trichoptera) Gumaga nigricula was examined in Big Sulphur Creek in coastal Northern California. Replicates of stones and cases were sampled 34 times over a 14 mo period that included nine floods. Stones had ∼2× the algal biomass of cases, based on chlorophyll a concentration. The lower algal biomass on caddisfly cases is consistent with this species' burrowing behavior, which reduces algal biomass by abrasion and light limitation. Algal biomass on stones was reduced by floods and generally increased in the absence of floods. In contrast, neither floods nor extended base flow affected the pattern of algal biomass on caddisfly cases, and biomass on caddisfly cases often exceeded that on stones following floods. Streambed substrates with different textures may provide different degrees of disturbance-protection for benthic microalgae, and rougher substrates in streams may have more relict algae following floods than smoother substrates.