Kiza Gates
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Graduate Research Assistant, PhD
Kerans Lab
Department of Ecology
Montana State University
310 Lewis Hall
Bozeman, MT 59717
Research Interests
I'm interested in the interactions between native and non-native aquatic invertebrates including the mechanisms contributing to
their interactions and how their interactions may vary over time.
Aquatic Gastropods of the Middle Snake River
My research encompasses two snails endemic to the Snake River in southern Idaho, the glossy valvata Valvata humeralis and
the Snake River physa Physa natricina (Figure 1).
Valvata humeralis
Surveys conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation have revealed large populations of
V. humeralis throughout much of the middle Snake River. The availability of this species
and its colony behavior make it a good candidate for community interaction work. In addition,
the continued co-existence of V. humeralis colonies decades after the introduction of New
Zealand mud snails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) in this region present the opportunity to
explore native and non-native interactions after the initial pulse of invasion.
Previous interaction studies with P. antipodarum and other native gastropods have revealed
evidence of competition and facilitation at varying species densities. My research explores the
demographics of the V. humeralis below American Falls Dam on the Snake River and the
mechanisms of interaction between this snail and P. antipodarum.
Figure 1. Right red dot indicates location of Valvata
research and left red dot indicates location
of Snake River physa research.
Physa natricina
Live Snake River physa have not been found in the Snake River since 1991 despite surveying efforts. Determining the
continued existence of this species is necessary to move forward with the listing and recovery process. My Snake River
physa research will determine if the species still exists below Minidoka dam on the Snake River and if found, what potential
habitat characteristics are important for its persistence. Genetic analysis (if found) will also be used to help clarify if Snake
River physa is a distinct species.