Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 85 (3): 281-289, 2012
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Seasonal dynamics of larvae and adults of two Enochrus Thomson
(Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) species in temporary and permanent wáter bodies of an urban park in Buenos Aires
The dynamics of Enochrus variegatus (Steinheil) and Enochrus
vulgaris (Steinheil) in temporary pools and permanent ponds were studied in an urban park of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Samples were collected from both types of hábitats weekly throughout one year, and variables like water surface and vegetation cover
were recorded. In permanent ponds, adults of both species were found throughout the study period, while in temporary pools their
presence depended on the availability of water. Differences in their reproductive seasons and breeding sites were observed.
Enochrus vulgaris was characterized by an opportunistic strategy, and its larvae were detected in both types of habitats,
associated mainly with spring and summer temperatures. Conversely, E. variegatus larvae were recorded almost
exclusively in temporary pools, during the winter and spring seasons. In permanent ponds, both species were associated with
vegetation cover, which could be related to the availability of refuges from fish predators. First instar larvae showed the highest
abundance and were captured more frequently, in consecutive weeks and simultaneously with third instar larvae, suggesting that the
two populations studied are not synchronized in oviposition time or development of immature stages. In several occasions, second
instar larvae of both species were captured in a pool that had been dry during the previous sampling date, suggesting that they had not
hatched from fresh laid eggs. Our findings show that adults of these species are capable of dispersal to and from temporary pools to
avoid drought. In addition, their larval stages may also be able to resist drought in the pools by burrowing into the
substrate.
Key words:
adaptation to
drought, aquatic Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae, population dynamics, water permanence.
