The development of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities in two artificial wetlands on Irish cutaway bog, with particular reference to Corixidae (Hemiptera Heteroptera)

Abstract

Two cutaway water bodies in mid-west County Offaly were studied. Turraun, created in 1990/1991, has an estimated area of 52-60 ha and an average depth of 0.5 to 1 m. The wetland sediment is predominantly peat with some shell marl and the macrophyte community is diverse and dense. Tumduff, created in 1995, has an area of c. 6 ha and an average depth of 1.5-2 m. Peat is the predominant pond sediment, with some blue silty clay and boulder clay and aquatic vegetation is sparse. The surface water levels fluctuated over time in both wetlands.