The terrestrial and semi-aquatic invertebrates of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams

Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES), which cease flow and/or dry at some point, are the most abundant waterways on earth, and are found on every continent. They can support a diverse, and often abundant, terrestrial and semi-aquatic invertebrate (TSAI) fauna, which has been poorly explored due to its position at the fringe between aquatic and terrestrial disciplines. TSAIs can inhabit a variety of habitat types, including the shoreline, the surface of exposed gravel bars, unsaturated gravels, dry riverbeds, riparian zones, and floodplains. Much less is known about the species composition and ecological roles of TSAIs of IRES than their aquatic counterparts, with TSAIs being largely overlooked in conceptual models, legislation, policy, and ecological monitoring. Herein we review the TSAI literature that has increased substantially over the last decade and present conceptual models describing how TSAIs respond to hydrological changes in IRES. Then, we test these models with data collected during wet and dry phases in IRES from Australia and France. These generic models can be utilised by water managers and policy makers, ensuring that both wet and dry phases are considered in the management and protection of IRES. IRES should be viewed as a habitat continuum through time, with taxa from a pool of aquatic, semi-aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates inhabiting at any hydrological stage. We call for collaboration among terrestrial and aquatic ecologists to explore these invertebrates and ecosystems further.

Automated summary

Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) are common waterways worldwide, supporting diverse terrestrial and semi-aquatic invertebrate fauna. However, research on these organisms is limited due to their interdisciplinary nature. This paper reviews the current literature on IRES invertebrates and presents conceptual models to understand their response to hydrological changes. The models are tested using data from wet and dry phases in IRES from Australia and France. Collaboration among terrestrial and aquatic ecologists is encouraged to further explore these organisms and ecosystems.