Benthic macroinvertebrate colonization of twelve O.04-ha
experimental ponds was studied for the 1st yr of their existence. The
ponds were filled in late January 1988, and artificial substrate
samples were retrieved at 4-wk intervals from February 25, 1988 to
February 25, 1989. The first organisms (Chironomus and
ceratopogonidae) were collected 4 wk after filling. Diptera,
p~imarily several genera of chironomids, were followed in coloniz~ng
the ponds by Coleoptera, Ephemeroptera, and odonata. The arrival of
new taxa corresponded to adult flight periods. Non-insect taxa
(oligochaeta, Nematoda, Amphipoda) were collected in relatively low
numbers and then only late in the year. A total of 29 taxa were
collected, 13 of which were present in all 12 ponds. Mean number of
taxa, diversity, and evenness increased rapidly during the first 7 mo
but never became very high. Density increased slowly throughout the
spring and summer, increased rapidly during the autumn and eventually
became quite high.
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