The effect of substrate texture on colonization by stream macroinvertebrates

Abstract

The effect of substrate texture on colonization by stream macroinvertebrates was studied in a mountain stream. Experimental patches made of natural substrate, with two levels of cobble and gravel texture (rough and smooth), were subjected to two colonization periods (two hours and one week) within a riffle. Cobble texture affected the number of individuals and taxa colonizing substrate patches, although these relationships depended on time of colonization and some local environmental factors. Texture influence was different for different taxa, and only affected the scraper functional feeding group after one week of colonization, probably in relation to the development of an epilithic layer. These results suggest a significant effect of the surface texture of substrate on colonization by macroinvertebrates, although the effect is complex and needs more careful examination.

Spatial and temporal patterns of benthic invertebrate communities in an intermittent river (North Africa)

“…Changes in the benthic community structure were often assessed by examining taxonomic compositions along the stream continuum (Grubaugh et al 1996, González et al 2003. Spatial variations have been attributed to habitat characteristics (e.g., Brown 1984, Brown et al 1995, Boyero 2003, but also to stochastic temporal fluctuations of the environment (Ives & Kopfer 1997, McIntosh et al 2003. Based on the dynamic equilibrium concept (Curry 1972), streams form a balance between physical parameters (such as width, depth, velocity, and sediment load), and biological factors.…”

Effect of riverbed morphology, stream order and season on the structural and functional attributes of caddisfly assemblages (Insecta: Trichoptera)

“…In headwater streams particularly, the physical habitat of benthic animals show contrasting changes at relatively small scales, thus generating considerable spatial heterogeneity (Boyero 2003b(Boyero , 2003c. This spatial heterogeneity strongly influences the distribution of stream-dwelling organisms (Allan 1995).…”

Diversity of Ephemeroptera (Insecta) of the Serra da Mantiqueira and Serra do Mar, southeastern Brazil

“…Several studies have shown that diversity of invertebrates increase with the complexity of substrate at finer spatial scales (e.g., Boyero 2003;Mormul et al 2011). Possible explanations are the increase of food availability (periphyton and detritus) and the increase in refuges (with a reduction in predation risk and from current) (Mazurkiewicz & Fleituch 2000).…”