Invertebrate colonisation during leaf processing of native, exotic and artificial detritus in a tropical stream

• DOI: 10.1071/mf11172
• Publication Date: 2012-05-04T06:28:12Z
• Authors: José Francisco Go...; Renan de Souza Re...; Juliana França; Marcos Callisto
• Keywords: Colonisation; Detritus

The relationship between leaf breakdown and colonisation by invertebrates in tropical aquatic ecosystems is poorly understood, especially regard to the added problem of potential effects exotic species. To assess during a third-order headwater stream south-eastern Brazil, we conducted an experiment using native species Miconia chartacea, Eucalyptus grandis artificial leaves. We hypothesised that quality detritus shape influence invertebrate because food refuge offered detritus. Invertebrate density richness were higher on leaves E. than those M. chartacea. Taxon did not differ among chartacea two sizes offered, probably as function chemical composition grandis. Total was significantly organic detritus, suggesting provides for organisms. Our results indicate affected Contrary expectations, community had no difficulty colonising grandis, although it In addition, shredder activity breakdown. These may this tend behave generalist feeders.