Coleoptera (Insecta) em sistemas aquáticos florestados: aspectos morfológicos, comportamentais e ecológicos

Abstract

The present thesis was drafted to broaden knowledge on Coleoptera, with an emphasis on the family Elmidae, in aquatic systems in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The thesis is divided in four chapters: 1) inventory of aquatic Coleoptera fauna (larvae and adults) in two mountainous regions of the Atlantic Forest in the state of São Paulo, particularly in the Serra da Mantiqueira and Serra do Mar; 2) a taxonomic key for the identification of larvae of genera of Elmidae in the state of São Paulo, with records of new occurrences and their distribution; 3) the use of mesohabitats by Elmidae larvae and adult in forest streams; and 4) checklist of the Elmidae (Coleoptera: Byrrhoidea) of Brazil. Different locations in the state of São Paulo were selected, with the sampling in the Campos do Jordão State Park intensified to achieve the objectives. The collections were performed with the aid of a Surber sampler and complementary methods were used to achieve a broader-scoped survey. The results indicate that: 1) aquatic systems in mountainous regions studied have a huge diversity of Coleoptera, which underscores the importance of preservation and conservation programs in these areas; 2) genera of Elmidae are widely distributed in different regions of the state, with the distribution of some species is restricted to certain regions; 3) the high indicator value observed for genera of Elmidae indicates a high degree of specificity to related mesohabitats and both larvae and adults of the same genus of Elmidae occupy the same mesohabitats in streams; and 4) A total of 148 species named plus 1 unnamed species of Elmidae are cited for Brazil. The results of the present study contribute knowledge on Coleoptera fauna in aquatic systems in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and can be used in biodiversity monitoring and conservation programs.