Effect of habitat type on benthic macroinvertebrates in a tropical lowland stream, Costa Rica.
Abstract: Benthic macroinvertebrate community structure was studied with respect
to stream habitat type in two lowland tropical streams. Three reaches
along the Carbon river and two within the Gandoca stream were chosen as
study sites in Talamanca, Costa Rica. Macroinvertebrates were collected
from four habitat types: leaf packs in riffles, cobble in rimes, areas
of sand in pools, and areas of gravel in pools. Communities were
dominated by insects in the orders Ephemeroptera (Thraulodes, Baetis?),
Diptera (Chironomidae, Tipulidae), Trichoptera (Hydropsychidae,
Glossosomatidae, Hydroptilidae, Calamoceratidae), and
Odonata(Progomphus, Hetaerina). Noninsect macroinvertebrates were
dominated by shrimps (Macrobrachium) and snails (Gastropoda).
Functional feeding group composition was dominated by
collector-gatherers. In most reaches, both habitat types in rimes
supported higher macroinvertebrate abundance and biomass than did
habitats in pools. Leaf packs in rimes represent an important habitat
that is present year-round in these aseasonal tropical systems.
Community composition and diversity were similar to that reported for
other areas of Central America.
Ramirez, A., P. Paaby, C.M. Pringle, and G. Aguero. 1998. Effect of habitat type on benthic macroinvertebrates in a tropical lowland stream, Costa Rica. Revista de Biologia Tropical 46:201-213.
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