Substrate influence on Perlidae (Plecoptera) nymph morphometrics in Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Abstract: Aim In this study, we determined whether Perlidae nymphs found in leaf litter were morphometrically distinct from those found in stony substrates. Methods Specimens were collected in Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Each insect was measured for fe...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Associação Brasileira de Limnologia
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2179-975X2024000100732&lng=en&tlng=en |
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| Summary: | Abstract: Aim In this study, we determined whether Perlidae nymphs found in leaf litter were morphometrically distinct from those found in stony substrates. Methods Specimens were collected in Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Each insect was measured for femora length, body length, wingpad length, head width, compound eye distance and mesothorax thickness. Data was logarithmically transformed to avoid effects of allometric growth and subjected to a size-free discriminant analysis. Analysis of variance was made to assess the relationship between shape, genus and substrate choice. Results We collected 562 insects belonging to two genera of Perlidae, Kempnyia Klapálek, 1914 and Anacroneuria Klapálek, 1909. Most occurred primarily in leaf litter (71.9%). We found significant morphometric differences among genera and substrates. Insects occurring in leaf litter were shown to have wider heads and longer anterior femora than those found in stones, suggesting that these characteristics would be important for anchoring to the substrate and resisting stronger water currents. Conclusions This study shows the complex relationship between body shape and substrate choice in neotropical Perlidae. Considering that different substrate bear varying ecological pressures on aquatic insects, morphometrics is a capable tool for assessing ecological relationships between these insects and their environment. |
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| ISSN: | 2179-975X |