Community of benthic macroinvertebrates in clear and black water streams of the Atlantic Forest, Bertioga, SP Thiago Loureiro Modesto, João Alberto Paschoa dos Santos, Ursulla Pereira Souza

Abstract

Benthic macroinvertebrates are important components of aquatic diversity, as they connect different trophic levels in streams. This study aims to analyze this community in clear and black water streams in the region of Bertioga-SP. Samples were taken during the dry and rainy seasons (2016/17) in six streams. Black streams showed greater diversity and evenness than light streams in the dry period. Chironomidae was the most representative family, with 1249 individuals (55.8%), and the only one that occurred in all streams and periods. The results indicated seasonal interference in the studied benthic macroinvertebrate communities, regardless of being from clear or black waters.