Temporal and spatial distribution of Chironomidae larvae in different environments of the Baía river complex, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v33i4.5386

Abstract

The floodplain of the upper Paraná river is characterized by the great diversity of aquatic organisms, and the larvae of Chironomidae are distinguished for their high density. Starting from the hypothesis that abiotic variables influence Chironomidae larvae composition, density and dominance in different environments and sampled periods, this study aimed to characterize the Baía river, secondary channel, floodplain lakes (connected and non-connected) of the Paraná river floodplain, according to attributes of Chironomidae assemblage, and identify possible gradients of temporal and spatial distribution of the larvae, relating them with abiotic variables. The collections were carried out from March 2003 to December 2005. Samples were collected in three points (margins and center), using a modified Petersen grab. CCA showed the larvae were influenced mainly by sediment particle size. Curutuba channel, due to the presence of pebbles, differed from other sites such as the Baía river and floodplain lakes, where fine particles predominated. It was concluded that particle size composition, percentage of organic matter and hydrodynamic of each environment were the main variables that influenced the spatial distribution of Chironomidae larvae.