Co-occurrence patterns and morphological similarity of semiaquatic insects (Hemiptera: Gerromorpha) in streams of Eastern Amazonia

Abstract

1. To understand how the semiaquatic bug communities are shaped, it was first verified whether there was a pattern of co-occurrence between species. It was subsequently tested whether the pattern found was related to environmental variables. Lastly, it was verified whether morphological divergence between species was present in the morphological and functional traits selected. 2. A pattern of species co-occurrence was found in the studied assemblage, related to both environmental variables and interspecific biological interactions. Pairs of species with negative, positive, and random co-occurrence were found. Traits related to predation competition, sexual competition, and interaction with the environment showed significant morphological divergence. 3. Therefore, more than one process defines species co-occurrence patterns in semiaquatic bug communities. It is suggested that environmental influence is related to species microhabitat preference. On the other hand, the morphological divergence found is related to competition and sharing of food resources.