(2nd Place) Impacts of spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar) defoliation on vernal pond aquatic insects

Aquatic insects in vernal ponds, depressional wetlands with a variable hydroperiod, comprise multiple functional feeding groups and are important contributors to pond ecosystems through trophic level interactions and cycling of nutrients. The abundance and diversity of aquatic insect taxa is often determined by multiple ecological and environmental interactions including variation in hydroperiod, water chemistry, and canopy cover. However, little to no research has focused on aquatic insect community structure in response to invasive forest pest outbreaks. Across northeastern North America, spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar) outbreaks have been shown to induce tree mortality and have effects on natural processes such as nutrient loading in forested streams due to a high influx of caterpillar frass. Changes in stream chemistry due to defoliation have been observed, such as accelerated exports of nitrate. The additional inputs of highly concentrated nutrients from spongy moth frass along with the reduction in canopy cover could alter community assemblage of aquatic insect communities within vernal ponds. This research aims to determine whether canopy damage and an influx of nutrient concentrated frass and greenfall caused by spongy moth defoliation will shift pond water quality and alter aquatic insect biodiversity and functional trait composition. Understanding the impact spongy moth defoliation has on vernal pond aquatic insects will allow for effective and holistic conservation strategies to better understand the spongy moth’s impact on the broader ecosystem.