Temporal variability of macroinvertebrate assemblages in a neotropical intermittent stream in Northwestern Venezuela.

Abstract

Changes in macroinvertebrate assemblages were identified among different flow phases during the dry and rainy seasons in a neotropical intermittent stream in Northwestern Venezuela. Invertebrates and physicochemical parameters were sampled during 9 months to assess temporal changes in biotic and abiotic variables. Macroinvertebrate densities decreased following either a high-flow or a stream drought. Three invertebrate assemblages were identified via PCA and cluster analysis. PCA ordination showed a temporal sequence between the sampling dates. A low flow association occurred in August, a period of rewetting after the stream drought in late July. A high-flow association was established by sampling dates (September and November) with the highest flows registered during the study, and an intermediate-flow association occurred during the longer dry period after the rainy season. The low-flow group was dominated by the Philopotamidae (65 %). The intermediate-flow group showed a more even distribution of macroinvertebrate abundances. The high-flow group was dominated by Philopotamidae, Leptophlebiidae, Chironomidae and Baetidae. The lowest richness and highest density values were observed for the low-flow group. Average physicochemical parameters also were different between the PCA groups. A gradient of physicochemical parameters was observed from the low-flow group to the high-flow group. Temporal flow changes probably structure macroinvertebrate communities during extreme episodes of drought or spates, but during intermediate flow periods some biotic processes may determine community structure.