Due to their proximity to aquatic systems, riparian zones are dynamic habitats subject to periodic floods of varying frequency, duration and intensity. Terrestrial arthropods are important components of riparian ecosystems, and their community composition in these zones is strongly influenced by environmental conditions. The sensitivity of riparian invertebrates to environmental conditions implicates their potential as bioindicators of riparian hydrology. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of soil moisture content on the abundance and biodiversity of epigeic arthropods to determine whether terrestrial invertebrates can be used to characterize riparian hydroperiods. Arthropods were harvested from detritus samples collected along lateral transects extending from the stream channel to the floodplain edge of six wadable streams in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Three of these streams are hard-bottomed single channeled streams with sloped banks. The other three streams have been restored into stream-wetland complexes with anastomosing channels integrated into their riparian zones. This study will contribute to our understanding of how reconnecting streams to their floodplains influences water retention.