Small-scale macroinvertebrate distribution in a riffle of a Neotropical rainforest stream (Río Bartola, Nicaragua)

Streams are highly heterogeneous environments in which habitat characteristics vary drastically over small distances, but little information is available in this context about Neotropical systems. In this work, we analyse the relationship between taxonomical composition and functional organization of stream benthic communities and some environmental variables in a single riffle of the Río Bartola, Nicaragua. Current velocity, position in the streambed, and substratum composition evidently influence invertebrate density and taxonomical richness. We investigate the functional organisation of the communities, reporting that collectors are the most represented functional feeding group, while shredders are almost absent.