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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 25, 2025

Modeling the Size Spectrum for Macroinvertebrates and Fishes in Stream Ecosystems

Modeling the Size Spectrum for Macroinvertebrates and Fishes in Stream Ecosystems

Published on: July 30, 2019

Ecosystem engineering alters density-dependent feedbacks in an aquatic insect population.

Joseph S Phillips¹, Amanda R McCormick¹, Jamieson C Botsch¹

¹Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA.

|August 8, 2021

Summary

Ecosystem engineers like midges can alter their environment to boost food availability. However, this benefit diminishes at high densities, illustrating complex density-dependent feedbacks in ecological communities.

Keywords:

Tanytarsus gracilentus benthic production facilitation feedbacks interspecific interactions macroinvertebrates

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Aquatic Ecology
Population Dynamics

Background:

Ecosystem engineers significantly influence community structure and dynamics.
These impacts can create feedback loops affecting engineer populations.
Midges in Lake Mývatn engineer their habitat by building tubes, enhancing algal growth.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of ecosystem engineering on density-dependent feedbacks in midge populations.
To understand how midge-induced changes in benthic production influence population dynamics.

Main Methods:

A field mesocosm experiment was conducted in Lake Mývatn, Iceland.
Larval midge densities were manipulated to assess impacts on benthic production.
Data were analyzed to model relationships between density, production, and emergence.

Main Results:

A nonlinear, positive relationship was observed between midge density and benthic production.
Adult midge emergence increased with per capita benthic production.
The positive engineering effect on production weakened negative density dependence at low densities but was negated at high densities.

Conclusions:

Ecosystem engineering by midges can modify density-dependent feedbacks.
At high densities, midge consumption can outweigh their positive contributions to primary production.
This highlights the complex interplay between ecosystem engineers and their populations.