Waterfalls as a reservoir for caddisfly larvae (Insecta, Trichoptera): exploring a poorly known habitat.

ABSTRACT: Waterfalls have not been thoroughly studied as a habitat for freshwater macroinvertebrates, although they appear to be an exclusive environment for taxa with traits suited to these unique physical habitat conditions. To better understand the role of waterfalls as aquatic habitats in Costa Rica, macroinvertebrates were collected within the flow and spray zones of 38 waterfalls across the country, spanning an altitudinal range of 55 to 2,660 m above sea level, either by climbing up from the base or using rappel techniques from above. Additionally, in 11 of the waterfalls, corresponding river samples were taken to compare the associated assemblages. Caddisfly larvae were found at all waterfalls sampled, with a total of 10,642 individuals collected from 10 families and 24 identified genera. Th

SUBMITTER: Solano-Ulate D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12712644 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature