Traces made by the amphipod Gammarus in subaerially‐exposed marginal sediments of a freshwater lake

Studies of freshwater Harperleas Reservoir, Scotland, during periods of falling water level, have revealed the extensive development of traces made by the amphipod Gammarus (the ‘freshwater shrimp’) in subaerially‐exposed marginal sediments. The traces comprise networks of near‐surface, fragile, unlined, tubular burrows, 2–4 mm in diameter. In places these merge into 1–2 mm wide, irregular surface trails. This paper is believed to be the first descriptive account of lebensspuren made by Gammarus , fossil forms of which may possibly be preserved in rocks dating back to the Eocene. Although several species of Gammarus are tolerant of saline waters it is suggested that the traces may, in association with other lines of evidence, be of use in the interpretation of depositional environments.