How do substrate types affect the seasonal composition and functional feeding groups variation of benthic insects in an arid region (northeastern Algeria)?

Abstract The diversity of bottom substrates is a primary driver of taxonomic richness and species abundance patterns of freshwater benthic insects in space and time. Here, we examine the influence of substrate composition on the seasonal patterns of benthic insect communities in streams of arid regions. Benthic insects were sampled monthly over a year at three sampling sites distributed along the Bouilef stream within the Belezma biosphere reserve (Algeria). Different substrate types (sand, gravel, pebbles, boulders, and emergent macrophytes) were sampled in the rainy and dry seasons. During the 2 studied seasons, a total of 8599 insects belonging to 6 orders, 26 families, and 39 genera/species were sampled and identified. Student's t-test analysis showed that season influences significantly the mean abundance of benthic insects, which increases in the rainy season. However, the season does not affect taxa richness. Substrate types influence taxa composition and variation of benthic insect communities. The results showed that pebbles and boulders are the most populated by gathering and filtering collectors in terms of taxa abundance. Emergent macrophytes are more favorable for herbivores shredders. Principal Coordinates Analysis ‘’PCoA’’ also showed that pebbles and boulders differed significantly from other substrates, whereas sand and gravel substrates exhibited similar taxa mean abundance. Such assessments can help propose conservation measures needed to successfully safeguard these fragile ecosystems.