Diversity of aquatic insects and other associated macroinvertebrates in an arid wetland (Mendoza Province, Argentina)

SCHEIBLER E. E. & N. F. CIOCCO

REVISTA DE LA SOCIEDAD ENTOMOLóGICA ARGENTINA

SOCIEDAD ENTOMOLÓGICA ARGENTINA

Lugar: La Plata; Año: 2013 vol. 72 p. 41 - 53

0373-5680

The goal of this work was to expand the evaluation of diversity of aquatic insects and macroinvertebrates associated along the Bañado Carilauquen using hand net for water column and Petersen dredge for benthos. Additionally, we explored seasonal and spatial differences and similarities of macroinvertebrate assemblages? qualitative composition. Samplings were conducted seasonally in five reaches of the Bañado Carilauquen, from headwaters to outlet. A total of 47 taxa were identified; 37 of them were insects, mainly Coleoptera, Diptera and Hemiptera, in this order. Macroinvertebrate composition was more conditioned by the spatial than the seasonal variable at the ends of the gradient. Three faunal groupings were detected: headwaters, middle reach and outlet. The highest richness detected at headwaters was correspondent with the lowest conductivity levels at the Bañado Carilauquen. The least diverse and most different faunal composition was recorded at outlet (highest conductivity levels). In the middle reach, richness levels were higher than expected in relation to conductivity, possibly because of the occasional presence of transient species.