Lima et al. 2009 (Article) Aechmea, Hohenbergia

Survey of Invertebrates Associated with Bromeliads in a Conservation Unit of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, and its Relevance for Environmental Risk Studies.

Author(s):—R. Lima S., M.G. Almeida, E.A. Almeida & R.R. Bezerra B.

Publication:—Journal of the Bromeliad Society Int. 59(6): 260-272. (2009)

Abstract:—An inventory of the invertebrate fauna found in the leaf crown and phytotelm of tank bromeliads (Aechmea lingulata and Hohenbergia ramageana) was carried out in the Parque Estadual Dunas do Natal (Natal Dune State Park or NDSP), Natal, Rio Grande do Norte State, northeastern Brazil . A total of 874 invertebrate specimens were obtained, belonging in 33 taxa within the Mollusca, Annelida, Arachnida, Myriapoda, and Insecta, and most of the taxonomic determinations reported were taken to rank of family. Insects and chelicerates were the most taxonomic diverse and abundant taxa (mature and immature forms considered). Immature forms were recorded for 15 taxa, indicating a significant role of tank bromeliads as a breeding site. Larvae of scirtid beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera) were the most abundant group recorded in the present inventory. Detritivore, predator, and herbivore feeding guilds were recorded. The detritivore guild was the most representative both in number of taxa and abundance, indicating a detritus-processing food chain community. The relevance of inventorying and monitoring bromeliad–inhabiting biota as a tool for environmental risk assessment is discussed.

Keywords:—Aechmea, Hohenbergia, Scirtidae, feeding guilds, public health, environmental education