Diversity of Periphytic Chironomidae on Different Substrate Types in a Floodplain Aquatic Ecosystem

Abstract

Different types of water bodies in lowland river floodplains represent vital biodiversity havens and encompass diverse microhabitats, which are essential for structuring different macroinvertebrate communities. Chironomidae larvae (Diptera) are an inseparable part of these communities, with their high richness and abundance. In three water body types within the Danube floodplain Kopački Rit in Croatia, over the course of four sampling campaigns, we recorded 51 chironomid taxa in periphyton on macrophytes, twigs, and glass slides. The most diverse were chironomid communities on macrophytes, whilst month-old periphyton on twigs supported the least taxa. Cricotopus gr. sylvestris, Dicrotendipes lobiger, Dicrotendipes spp., Endochironomus albipennis, Glyptotendipes pallens agg., Polypedilum sordens and Polypedilum spp. were present in all studied microhabitats. The type of substrate is a very important factor influencing Chironomidae diversity and abundance, which was evident in the presence and dominance of Corynoneura gr. scutellata and Monopelopia tenuicalcar in the dense macrophyte canopy epiphyton. Finding pristine floodplains such as Kopački Rit can be very challenging, as such areas are increasingly altered by human activities. Studies of resident species and the extent to which changes in the parent river influence floodplain communities are important for the protection and restoration of the floodplains.

The Impact of Hydromorphological Alterations on Mayfly Assemblages of a Mid-Sized Lowland River in South-Eastern Europe

“…Microhabitat heterogeneity, in addition to physical and chemical water properties, is another key factor that shapes mayfly assemblages [ 14 , 62 , 63 ], as it allows their nymphs to seek refuge from predators and find sufficient food resources [ 14 , 64 , 65 ]. Organic substrates (especially macrophytes) and coarse inorganic sediment are important habitat segments for nymphs of various mayfly species [ 11 , 14 , 17 ], as they trap organic matter and provide a habitat for periphyton [ 65 , 66 , 67 ], which is an important food resource for mayfly nymphs.…”

Chironomidae in shallow water bodies of a protected lowland freshwater floodplain ecosystem

“…4,5 Permanent water bodies (lakes and channels) and some of their biocenoses in the Kopački Rit floodplain have been well-studied [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] ; however, shallow water bodies, such as temporary, and just ponds, were not included in previous research conducted in this area, only recently, and just at one location. 14,15 Ponds, defined as small, shallow standing waters, 16,17 occur naturally in floodplain areas. 18 Temporary ponds are shallow stagnations with annually alternating phases of drying and flooding, supporting the development of vegetation and animal communities.…”

Introduction to the Special Issue “Aquatic Insects: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Conservation Challenges”

“…This is mainly due to the efforts of local research groups, highlighting the importance of training and supporting scientists in additional countries. The most speciose aquatic insect orders, Coleoptera and Diptera, are represented with only one [9] and two contributions [10,11], respectively. Studying the aquatic Coleoptera, the authors have reviewed the Laccophilus alluaudi species group from the Comoro Islands, and recognized five species, out of which four were newly described [9].…”

“…Studying the aquatic Coleoptera, the authors have reviewed the Laccophilus alluaudi species group from the Comoro Islands, and recognized five species, out of which four were newly described [9]. Both publications regarding the aquatic Diptera focused on the very diverse but still relatively The most speciose aquatic insect orders, Coleoptera and Diptera, are represented with only one [9] and two contributions [10,11], respectively. Studying the aquatic Coleoptera, the authors have reviewed the Laccophilus alluaudi species group from the Comoro Islands, and recognized five species, out of which four were newly described [9].…”

“…Both publications regarding the aquatic Diptera focused on the very diverse but still relatively poorly investigated family Chironomidae in southeastern Europe. One study investigated the diversity of periphytic Chironomidae in a floodplain aquatic ecosystem and revealed a high dependency of diversity of chironomid assemblages on substrate type, where the highest diversity was recorded on macrophytes [10]. The other study investigated Chironomidae assemblages in urban water bodies, which showed relatively high diversity but also different tolerance levels of chironomid taxa to environmental pressures recorded in such aquatic systems [11].…”