Colonization by benthic macroinvertebrates in two artificial substrate types of a Riparian Forest

Abstract

Aim:To analyze the efficiency of organic and inorganic substrates in samples of benthic macroinvertebrates of riparian forests from the Cerrado. Specific objectives: (i) characterize the ecological succession and taxonomic richness of benthic macroinvertebrates in stream affluent of a riparian forest; (ii) analyze the influence of seasonality on the colonization of macroinvertebrates; and (iii) determine the effect of the types of artificial substrates on the richness, composition and abundance of the benthic community. Methods: Sampling was carried out in the rainy and dry seasons, and we installed in the watercourse two types of substrates: organic (leaf packs) and inorganic (bricks), organized in pairs. Six samples per season were done to verify colonization, succession, richness and abundance of benthic community. The substrates were carefully sorted and the organisms were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Results: The ecological succession was clearly observed, with the initial occurrence of Chironomidae and Baetidae (considered early colonizers), and a late occurrence of organisms such as Helotrephidae and Trichoptera (considered late colonizers). No significant difference was found in the richness and abundance among the studied seasons (rainy and dry), but the organic substrate was significantly higher than the inorganic substrate for these parameters. Conclusion: Organic artificial substrates are more efficient in characterizing the community of benthic macroinvertebrates in the study area, because they are more similar to the conditions of the substrate found naturally in the environment.

Isolation controls reestablishment mechanisms and post‐drying community structure in an intermittent stream

“…However, their study system was a perennial, forested stream where periodic disturbance was not a defining feature of the hydrologic regime. Subsequent work highlighted the complexity of reestablishment dynamics in streams, with colonization patterns varying among species (Cañedo‐Argüelles et al, 2015 ; Lancaster & Downes, 2017a ), body size (Principe & Del Corigliano, 2006 ), and habitat use (Carvalho & Uieda, 2006 ; Lancaster & Downes, 2017b ). Additionally, dispersal success often relies on both the presence of wetted migratory pathways and the hydrologic conditions of the receiving systems (Brooks et al, 2020 ).…”

Testing the Sensitivity and Limitations of Frequently Used Aquatic Biota Indices in Temperate Mountain Streams and Plain Streams of China

“…In contrast, fish, as a top-level assemblage species with strong movement and feeding ability, show longer generation time and are more indicative of past accumulated stress [9]. For macroinvertebrates, generation time and dispersal potential, which fall under primary producers and fish, are useful in reflecting medium-duration environmental stress [10]. During biomonitoring, multiple taxonomic assemblages are typically combined, as each assemblage offers specific responses to different stressors [11,12].…”

Colonization of benthic invertebrates on artificial and natural substrate in a Neotropical lotic environment in Southern Brazil

“…The knowledge about the colonization process, richness and community structure of benthic invertebrates can be obtained by the use of substrates (Rosenberg & Resh, 1982;Ribeiro & Uieda, 2005). Several studies use natural and artificial substrates to characterize benthic fauna (Casey & Kendall, 1996;Santos, Bruno & Santos, 2016). Inorganic substrates have determinants in colonization as the size and surface, and the organic substrate has the feeding function, fixation and shelter (Rezende, 2007).…”