An assessment of the invertebrate richness of a mitigated wetland in southwestern Pennsylvania during the summer growing season

Wetlands are vitally important ecosystems that have been historically threatened by human-induced drainage. Increasingly, wetlands are being recognized for their value in maintaining water quality and providing habitat for wildlife. Wetland mitigation and restoration programs are on the rise, including the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Net Gain Strategy for managing wetland resources. Invertebrates are a key part of wetland ecosystems, allowing the cycling of nutrients, decomposing dead plant and animal material, and connecting primary producers with consumers across trophic levels. Due to their ecological importance and sensitivity to disturbance, invertebrates provide an ideal way to evaluate the quality of mitigated wetlands. This case study examines the taxonomic richness and assemblages of invertebrates across a mitigated depressional wetland in southwestern Pennsylvania over the course of the summer of 2022. Sampling was completed at four different microhabitats across the wetland complex. Sites were selected based on accessibility, connection with other wetland monitoring efforts, and representativeness of the habitat matrix. Invertebrates were collected using dip nets, sweep nets, foliage beats, and pitfall activity traps during June and July. Specimens will be sorted and identified to the lowest practical taxonomic level in the lab. Results will be analyzed to determine species richness and assemblages. Biodiversity and sample completeness metrics of wetland aquatic and aquatic edge vegetation gained from this study will be used to inform wetland mitigation success evaluation in a more holistic manner than more traditional IBI water survey metrics.