Urban rain pools : seasonal dynamics and entomofauna in a park of Buenos Aires

We describe the seasonal variations of the insect community of the rain pools in a park of Buenos Aires during a 1-year period, based on a weekly sampling programme. We also analyse the relationships between the observed biotic patterns and some physical and meteorological variables. Four periods, f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hydrobiologia 2000-12, Vol.441 (1), p.45-53
Main Authors: FISCHER, Sylvia, MARINONE, M. Cristina, FONTANARROSA, M. Soledad, NIEVES, Mariela, SCHWEIGMANN, Nicolas
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Argentina
Biological and medical sciences
Buenos Aires
Coleoptera
Culicidae
Diptera
Drought
Ephemeroptera
Fresh water ecosystems
Freshwater
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Habitats
Hemiptera
Insects
Mosquitoes
Odonata
Rain
Seasonal variations
Synecology
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Summary:We describe the seasonal variations of the insect community of the rain pools in a park of Buenos Aires during a 1-year period, based on a weekly sampling programme. We also analyse the relationships between the observed biotic patterns and some physical and meteorological variables. Four periods, fairly coincident with the seasons of the year, were graphically identified as functions of temperature, rainfall, flooded area, number of rain pools, depth and taxonomic richness. A total of 45 insect taxa was identified: 18 Coleoptera, 15 Diptera, 9 Heteroptera, 1 Ephemeroptera and 2 Odonata. Culicidae represented 76% of the pooled abundance of insects, probably related to their rapid development before the pools dry up. Taxonomic richness was maximum at the end of the summer (32), in coincidence with maximum rainfalls and temperatures. Inversely, the minimum richness (2) was recorded during the spring drought. Richness was positively correlated to the flooded area and to the number of pools on each sampling date. The species recorded throughout the study period were: Aedes albifasciatus, Culex eduardoi, Culex pipiens, Liodessus sp., Rhantus signatus signatus, Tropisternus setiger, Tropisternus lateralis limbatus and Sigara platensis. Some of the species recorded are considered pioneer in temporary habitats. Both coleopterans and heteropterans are likely to persist in the park through repeated colonisation from more permanent habitats. Habitat duration and flooded area were positively correlated to richness in each one of the rain pools.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0018-8158
1573-5117
DOI:10.1023/A:1017591122911