Evidence for metapopulation structure in seep-dwelling amphipods

Abstract

Twelve seepage springs in a 3 km2 area of the Goldmine Tract in the C&O Canal National Historical Park in Montgomery County, Maryland, USA were sampled in 1994–1995 and again in 2023 for three amphipod species: Stygobromus tenuis potomacus, Stygobromus pizzinii, and Crangonyx shoemakeri. During that time interval, there were 11 colonizations and 1 exinction. Three populations persisted. These results are consistent with the proposed metapopulation hypothesis of population structure.