Structure and production of a benthic insect assemblage in a neotropical stream.
Abstract: The structure and production of a benthic insect assemblage were
assessed over a 12-mo period in a neotropical stream draining the
Caribbean slope of Costa Rica. Two stream habitats, riffles and pools,
were sampled monthly. Benthic assemblage composition was similar to
that reported for other areas in Central America and was dominated by
the orders Ephemeroptera (Tricorythodes, Leptohyphes, Thraulodes,
Baetis?), Coleoptera (Elmidae), and Diptera (mainly Chironomidae).
Collector-gatherers were the dominant functional-feeding group and very
few shredders were found. Annual habitat-weighted secondary production
was highest for Tricorythodes (87.07 mg ash-free dry mass [AFDM] m(-2)
y(-1)) and Chironomidae (74.47 mg AFDM m-2 y(-1)). Total
habitat-weighted secondary production was 363.65 mg AFDM m(-2) y(-1).
Riffles supported the highest abundance, biomass, and secondary
production of benthic insects.
Ramírez, A. and C. M. Pringle. 1998. Structure and production of a benthic insect assemblage in a neotropical stream. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 17: 443-463.
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