Freshwater Macroinvertebrates and Their Habitats in Saba, West Indies

Abstract

A survey of macroinvertebrates inhabiting freshwater habitats of Saba was conducted during 1999 and 2006. Freshwater habitats in Saba include ornamental ponds, a spring, temporary pools, and open cisterns. A total of 18 species was collected during the research, 17 of which are reported for the first time on Saba. Generally the freshwater macroinvertebrate fauna of Saba is sparse, most likely due to the oceanic origin of the island, its small size, a limited amount of freshwater habitats, and challenges colonizing such a habitat.