Insects
and other Invertebrates drift in the current. This
Drift varies in intensity but occurs continuously in rivers
and streams. |
Invertebrate Drift
- All
invertebrate groups represented in Drift.
-
It is a way for Invertebrates to Disperse Downstream:
To repopulate areas, relieve population pressure, find other food sources,
or get away from predators
-
Much of it may be Unintentional from accidental dislodgement
or high river flows from storms.
-
Heaviest at Night; Peak around Sunset and Sunrise when
Sight Feeding Predators (e.g., Fish) would have the hardest time seeing
their Prey.
-
Juvenile Salmonids feed primarily on Drifting
Invertebrates belonging mainly to the Scraper-grazer
and Collector-gatherer Functional Feeding Groups.
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