Colonización de macroinvertebrados acuáticos en hojas de Miconia sp. y Eucalyptus sp. en la subcuenca alta Del Río Chinchiná, Colombia

Abstract

Colonization processes in lotic environments are regulated by the interaction between the type of forest and the amount of litter that goes to the rivers and influences the structure and dynamics of the benthos. Benthic macroinvertebrates are an important component of freshwater ecosystems, playing a fundamental role in decomposition and nutrient recirculation, in addition to contributing to the food chain as food for other animals. Leaf litter methodology was used with the objective of to compare the colonization by macroinvertebrates on native and introduced tree leaves throughout time, in El Diamante Creek, La Oliva Creek, and the Chinchiná River. The first creek presents native forest riparian vegetation, the second creek is influenced by Eucalyptus sp. plantations, and the third creek does not present riverine vegetation. In the study, plastic cloth bags were used, in which leaves from a native species (Miconia sp.), leaves from a Eucalyptus sp., and a mix of leaves from both species were deposited; the native and introduced leaves decomposed in approximately 60 days. In total, 8595 macroinvertebrate individuals were collected, the least richness was seen after 30 days and the greatest richness was seen between 45 days and 60 days. With diversity (q=0, q=1) no significant differences in the effective number of genres and/ or morphotypes found between substrates (packs with native, introduced and mixed leaves). The dominant group within the macroinvertebrates collected was the trophic guild of the generalist collectors.