Composition and distribution of aquatic insects in streams of Tabasco, Mexico

Abstract

Background. Aquatic systems of Tabasco have been affected by various anthropogenic activities (Bueno-Soria, et al., 2005), however the knowledge of the aquatic insects is emerging, so it is important to know your current status in the state. Goals. To determine the distribution, abundance and diversity of aquatic insect fauna in streams of Tabasco. Methods. Samples were conducted at 38 locations during the years 2010 to 2013 in daytime and multihabitat effort. Results. Environmental variables as temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and salinity showed significant differences between municipalities with p= 0.006. Principal component analysis ordination by municipalities showed 60% of the total variance explained by conductivity and dissolved oxygen for the first axis and the depth and the pH for the second factor. A total of 5,315 individuals, belonging to 11 orders and 56 families were collected. The highest diversity was recorded in Tacotalpa, Tenosique and Huimanguillo with H'=2.87; H'=1.09 and H'=0.5, and richness were 42, 29 and 25 families respectively, and minimal richens was in Cardenas with six families. Tacotalpa and Tenosique represents 78% of the total density. In Tacotalpa dominated: Phylopotamidae, Chironomidae and Caenidae; Tenosique, Caenidae, Chironomidae and Coenagrionidae. While in Cardenas were Baetidae and Notonectidae. Conclusions. Highest riparian vegetation coberture presented in municipalities of Tacotalpa, Tenosique and Huimanguillo regulates insect composition. However the composition and structure of aquatic insects depends on multiple biotic and abiotic variables.