Summer Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera from southwestern drainages in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with additional Ephemeroptera records

Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies), and Trichoptera (caddisflies) (in total, EPT) were inventoried during May 2003, June 2003, and early July 2004 at 15 stream reaches in southwestern Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM). Adults and immatures were collected using ultraviolet light traps, sweepnetting, and handpicking. At least 169 species were collected, including 54 mayfly species, 38 stonefly species, and 77 caddisfly species. Two small, western, low elevation streams, Shop Creek and Tabcat Creek, produced the greatest number of species at 61 and 56 species, respectively. The two large streams, Eagle and Deep creeks, also produced high species richness at 53 species each. A species accumulation curve and two richness estimates demonstrated that EPT richness in this particular area may be 80 to 120 species higher than observed. A cluster analysis showed that adjacent stream reaches had relatively similar faunas and that different habitats supported quite different assemblages. Significant regional records included Ameletus tertius McDunnough and Epeorus fragilis (Morgan). Several Ephemeroptera species are reported for the first time from North Carolina (4), Tennessee (6), and GRSM (7). Four Trichoptera species are reported from GRSM for the first time.