Relationship between the structural complexity of the bromeliad Quesnelia arvensis and the abundance of arthropods in a restinga area Amanda Aparecida Carminatto, Mara Angelina Galvão Magenta, Milena Ramires, Walter Barrella

Abstract

The structural complexity of the habitat has been considered one of the main factors responsible for species richness, since greater complexity should offer greater availability of resources such as abundance of prey, territorial space, refuge against predation, in addition to providing greater diversity of microhabitats. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the abundance of arthropods and the variables describing the structural complexity of the bromeliad Quesnelia arvensis in a restinga area in the RDS Barra do Una, Peruíbe - São Paulo. A quadrant of 37x5m was established where 33 individuals of Q. arvensis were investigated, with notes of some measurements and quantity of leaves. A total of 58 individuals of arthropods were quantified, with the greatest abundance corresponding to the class Insecta (50 individuals), represented by ants (29) and other unidentified insects (21), followed by the class Arachnida (8 individuals), represented by spiders. Regarding the variables describing structural complexity, only the height of Q. arvensis in relation to the ground showed a significant correlation with the abundance of arthropods. In summary, this study provides new evidence of the structural complexity of a habitat influencing the local abundance of organisms.