Aquatic Coleoptera Distribution and Environmental Relationships in a Large Patagonian River

Abstract

The benthic coleopteran assemblages of the Chubut River basin were studied in order to assess the main factors affecting species composition and distribution along the upper, middle and lower catchments. A total of 13 sampling sites were selected and sampled seasonally. Eight taxa and 1,601 individuals were collected during the study. Richness was higher in the main channel of Chubut River at the upper basin than at the middle basin. Beetles were completely absent at the lower basin. Mean monthly density per sites varied from 0 to 85 ind m -2 . Stethelmis kaszabi had a more restricted distribution whereas Hemiosus dejeanii, Austrelmis sp. and Austrolimnius spp. were more frequent and abundant. Austrelmis sp. appears as the most tolerant species, especially to higher TSS, ammonia, and conductivity values. Luchoelmis cekalovici was absent in stations associated with urban areas. A Canonical Correspondence Analysis shows that conductivity, total suspended solids, wet width, water temperature and pH were the most important variables structuring beetle assemblages. Land use related variables such as NH 4 , TP, and NO 3 were less important but still significant. An increase in TSS affected negatively the coleopteran community; this could be related to both hydrogeological characteristics and agricultural activities (including overgrazing). This is the first approach to the knowledge of the ecological range of distribution of the coleopteran species in Patagonian rivers.

The impact of dredging of a small lowland river on water beetle fauna (Coleoptera)

“…Significant environmental factors influencing the formation of Coleoptera fauna in watercourses include the type of bottom sediment, vegetation coverage and type, flow, water depth, pH, and even the amount of suspended solids and conductivity, which reflects how the catchment is utilized (Eyre et al, 1993Sanderson et al, 2005;Miserendino and Archangelsky, 2006;Pakulnicka and Nowakowski, 2012;Sarr et al, 2013). Most of these parameters are altered as a result of regulation works, although the extent of the changes and the duration of their effects vary depending on the factor.…”

A heuristic approach to predicting water beetle diversity in temporary and fluctuating waters

“…Such patterns may be generated by differential dispersal, or selection on dispersers once they arrive at individual localities (Cottenie, 2005). Additionally understanding the processes that determine commu-a strong influence on the richness and diversity of macroinvertebrates communities in individual ponds (Bechara, 1996;Williams, 1996;Miserendino and Archangelsky, 2006).…”

“…These include a wide variety of linear approaches including linear regression (LR) (Lahr et al, 1999;Marchant et al, 2006), multiple linear regression (MLR) (Friday, 1987), principal component analysis (PCA) (Rundle et al, 2002;Jeffries, 2005;Kasangaki et al, 2008;Haidekker and Hering, 2008;Blocksom and Johnson, 2009) and multidimensional scaling (MDS) (Cowell et al, 2004). Also, more advanced multivariate techniques like detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) (Valladares et al, 2002) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) (Fernández-Aláez et al, 2002;Irmler et al, 2002;Rundle et al, 2002;Miserendino and Archangelsky, 2006;Bilton et al, 2006;Rohasliney and Jackson, 2008) have been used in the past. Despite the fact that these methods may reveal significant relationships between community composition and environmental parameters, they possess a number of features that limit their explanatory, estimation or forecasting power (James and McCulloch, 1990).…”

Annotated checklist of Croatian riffle beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera: Elmidae)

“…Together with other water beetles, Elmidae are among the most common organisms in benthic communities of rivers and streams (Miserendino & Archangelsky, 2006;Jäch & balke, 2008). They have a complex life cycle which includes both water and riparian zones, and they are used as bioindicators for water quality and habitat preservation (see crowson, 1981;Moog & Jäch, 1995, 2003Elliott, 2008;New, 2010).…”