Distribution and Seasonality of Branchiopod and 
Malacostracan Crustaceans of the 
Santee National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina 1 
Charles K. Biernbaum 
Grice Marine Biological Laboratory, 
College of Charleston, 205 Fort Johnson, 
Charleston, South Carolina 29412 
ABSTRACT. — Distribution and seasonal changes in abundance of 
branchiopod and malacostracan crustaceans were studied at the 
approximately 6100-ha Santee National Wildlife Refuge, on the edge 
of Lake Marion in the mid-coastal plain of South Carolina. A total of 
42 species were collected, of which 19 are new records for the state. 
Winter crustacean fauna is dominated by the cladocerans Simocephalus 
serrulatus and Eurycercus ( Bulatifrons ) vernalis , the isopods Caecidotea 
forbesi and Lirceus lineatus , the amphipods Hyalella azteea and 
Crangonyx riehmondensis, mature individuals of the shrimp Pal- 
aemonetes paludosus , and the crayfish Procambarus ( Ortmannicus ) 
blandingii. Spring is characterized by high water levels, population 
pulses in several cladoceran species, occasional occurrences of the 
anostracan Streptocephalus seali and conchostracan Eulimnadia 
ventricosa , and more habitats for C. forbesi and P. ( O .) blandingii. 
Summer crustacean fauna is dominated by H. azteea , Caecidotea 
latieaudata , reduced numbers of C. forbesi, and immature specimens of 
P. paludosus. Variations exist among species with respect to the types 
of habitats inhabited (ditches, pools, impoundments, lake) and seasons 
of abundance and reproductive activity. Most species have been 
previously documented as being closely associated with aquatic 
macrophytes, which reach high densities in several habitats. 
Crustaceans are important components of practically all freshwater 
ecosystems and many terrestrial ecosystems. Unfortunately, however, 
little documented research has been done in South Carolina on the 
distribution and ecology of nonmarine species, with the possible 
exception of crayfish. Information about species occurrences, seasonal 
changes in abundance, and seasonal reproductive characteristics is 
especially valuable in areas that are managed for wildlife that may use 
these crustaceans directly or indirectly as food. The Santee National 
Wildlife Refuge, like many refuges, is very important as a winter 
sanctuary for waterfowl, having more than 120,000 overwintering birds 
annually (D. J. Voros, Santee National Wildlife Refuge, pers. comm.). 
'Contribution Number 69 of the Grice Marine Biological Laboratory, College 
of Charleston. 
Brimleyana No. 15:7-30, January 1989 
7 
