Abstract

MEDINA, Ana I.  and  PAGGI, Analía C.. Composition and abundance of Chironomidae (Diptera) in a semiarid stream (San Luis, Argentina). Rev. Soc. Entomol. Argent. [online]. 2004, vol.63, n.3-4, pp.107-118. ISSN 0373-5680.

Species abundance of Chironomidae (Diptera) has often been excluded from studies of benthic river communities because of the difficulties associated with the identification of larvae. The composition and seasonal abundance of the chironomid larvae assemblage in the upper reaches of the Grande river were studied. Twenty-four genera belonging to the subfamilies Chironominae, Tanypodinae and Orthocladiinae were collected. Chironominae showed the most generic richness (11 taxa), followed by Tanypodinae (8) and, Orthocladiinae (5). Likewise, Tanytarsini showed the highest density, followed by Pentaneurini and Orthocladiini. The faunistic distribution of Chironomidae found in the Grande river showed a considerable number of taxa in common with the Amazonic fauna, especifically regarding the subfamilies richness and generic composition. New ecological characteristics related to the habitat of some Chironomidae genera were observed.

Keywords : Chironomidae; Bentos; No-regulated stream; Distribution; Diversity Argentina.

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