new model estimating stonefly species production in the West Carpathian torrents

Samples of stoneflies were collected from 15 streams of Slovakia during 1976–2000. The model of growth rate is based on 219 data of 50 stonefly species. The non-linear relationship among growth rate (G) of stoneflies and monthly mean water temperature (T) and body mass (W) is described by equation: G = 0.014W −0.19 T 0.25. The model estimates the species production of the families Taeniopterygidae, Nemouridae, Capniidae, Leuctridae and Perlodidae. This model is combined with Morin’s & Dumont’s (1994) model for Perlidae and Chloroperlidae. There is positive evidence that the total stonefly production of mountain and submountain streams increases with discharge. On the other hand, increasing altitude has a negative influence on production.