Diversity and distribution of riffle beetle assemblages (Coleoptera, Elmidae) in montane rivers of Southern Brazil

Authors

  • Bruna Marmitt Braun Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas
  • Andrea Vanesa Batalla Salvarrey Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas
  • Carla Bender Kotzian Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas
  • Marcia Regina Spies Universidade Federal do Pampa
  • Mateus Marques Pires Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Centro de Ciências da Saúde

Keywords:

aquatic insects, streams, Neotropical region, insetos aquáticos, riachos, região Neotropical

Abstract

The diversity and spatio-temporal distribution of Elmidae (Coleoptera) assemblages in montane rivers and streams of southernmost Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul state) were studied. Six genera were found, represented mostly by larval specimens. Austrolimnius and Macrelmis are new occurrences in the region. Assemblages’ genera composition and dominance were related to the presence of the macrophyte Podostemum. Also, water temperature and stream depth and velocity were the most important drivers related to the assemblages’ distribution. Richness and abundance were positively related to high water velocity and negatively to stream depth. Temporal patterns were detected especially in assemblage abundance, yet a slight pattern in richness was also observed. The seasonal structure was related to warm temperatures, but temporal distribution of Elmidae assemblages appears to be related to the dominant genera life cycles. The studied area shows an overall Elmidae richness similar to that found in some tropical areas and the role of mountainous environments in sustaining high rates of regional diversity in the Neotropics is stated.

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Published

2014-06-01

How to Cite

Braun, B. M., Salvarrey, A. V. B., Kotzian, C. B., Spies, M. R., & Pires, M. M. (2014). Diversity and distribution of riffle beetle assemblages (Coleoptera, Elmidae) in montane rivers of Southern Brazil. Biota Neotropica, 14(2). Retrieved from //www.biotaneotropica.org.br/BN/article/view/1347

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