Benthic macroinvertebrates in two streams preserved of Atlantic Forest, Bertioga, SP Thiago Loureiro Modesto, João Alberto Paschoa dos Santos, Ursulla Pereira Souza

Abstract

Benthic macroinvertebrates are mainly related to the physico and chemical characteristics of the habitat, the habit of each species and the speed of the river flow, which can vary in different seasons. This study aims to analyze this community in two streams at the foot of Serra do Mar. Sampling was carried out in the city of Bertioga and occurred in the dry and rainy seasons (2016/17). Stream 2 had the highest diversity index during the dry period. Chironomidae was the most representative family, with 727 individuals (68.52%). The results indicated seasonal interference in the studied benthic macroinvertebrate communities, which may influence the local food chain.