Effect of sedimentary cadmium on the behavior of a burrowing mayfly (Ephemeroptera, Hexagenia limbata).

Behavioral responses of aquatic invertebrates can serve as precocious indicators of adverse effects caused by metals. We conducted experiments to determine if the behavior of nymphs of the burrowing mayfly Hexagenia limbara (Ephemeroptera) was modified by the presence of cadmium (Cd) in sediments. We first exposed H. limbata to concentrations of sedimentary Cd found in lakes subject to smelter emissions (20 microg/g dry wt). We then compared the burrowing activity of control and Cd-contaminated nymphs by means of radiographs. We also studied the time allotted by nymphs to various activities (irrigation, walking, burrowing/feeding, cleaning, and turning) as determined from films taken using an infrared video camera. The results obtained suggest no significant difference in the burrowing activity of control versus Cd-contaminated individuals. Furthermore, the time spent in various behavioral activities was similar between control and Cd-contaminated nymphs. Given these results, we conclude that Cd has no effect on the behavior of H. limbata for the range of Cd concentrations that we measured in nymphs.