A Survey of Freshwater Macroinvertebrates on Antigua, West Indies

Authors

  • David Bass Biology Department, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, USA

Keywords:

Freshwater Macroinvertebrates, Antigua fauna, Habitats

Abstract

A survey of macroinvertebrates inhabiting the freshwater habitats of Antigua was conducted during June 1996. Qualitative collections were made by sweeping a dip net through the water column and by hand examination of submerged aquatic plants and debris in freshwater environments across the island. In addition, water temperature was recorded at each site. These collections yielded at least 41 species, all of which are reported for the first time from Antigua. Dominant taxa collected included gastropods, odonates, hemipterans, and coleopterans. Generally this macroinvertebrate fauna is sparse, most likely due to the oceanic origin of Antigua, the lack of freshwater habitat diversity, and disturbances to freshwater environments across the island.

Published

2005-12-31

Issue

Section

Research Papers