Effect of adult abundance on nymphs of Gerromorpha (Heteroptera) in Cerrado streams in the state of Goiás

Abstract

How species interact with each other and how the environment affects species are subjects that ecologists still need to better understand. Our objectives were to evaluate the effect of (i) the abundance of Gerromorpha adults, (ii) habitat integrity, and (iii) morphological conditions (width, depth and slope) of streams on the abundance of nymphs of semiaquatic Heteroptera (Gerromorpha). Sampling was carried in 21 streams in the region of Barro Alto and Niquelândia, in the state of Goiás. The abundance of Gerromorpha adults has a positive effect on the abundance of nymphs. The morphological conditions (width, depth and slope) and habitat integrity had no effect on the abundance of Gerromorpha nymphs and adults. In tropical environments, adults and nymphs of Gerromorpha coexist without harming each other and environmental variables have no effect on the abundance of the nymphs. The protection of nymphs is important from a population point of view, since it ensures the maintenance and growth of populations in a community and, consequently, prevents local extinctions of species.

Keywords

• Canibalismo
• Coexistência
• Insetos aquáticos
• Integridade de habitat
• Predação