Habitat selection in the family Haliplidae (Coleoptera) in Central Texas, east of the Colorado River /
The purpose of this study was to analyze the habitat, distribution and ecological niche parameters of the species of Haliplidae (Coleoptera) in Central Texas, east of the Colorado River and to test the hypothesis that the species of haliplids occupy unique habitats and niches. Thirty-eight collecti...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1996.
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| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=743273271&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | The purpose of this study was to analyze the habitat, distribution and ecological niche parameters of the species of Haliplidae (Coleoptera) in Central Texas, east of the Colorado River and to test the hypothesis that the species of haliplids occupy unique habitats and niches. Thirty-eight collection sites along a 435 km transect were sampled quarterly for one year. The sites represented a variety of water types: marshes, swamps, reservoirs, ponds, streams and rivers. All specimens of aquatic Coleoptera were collected and identified to species in most cases. Other macroinvertebrates were collected and Identified to the lowest possible practical taxonomic level. Macrophytes were collected and identified, and the presence or absence of filamentous algae and charophytes was noted. A key to the species of Haliplidae of Texas and surrounding states and northern Mexico was constructed. The following physical factors were assessed at each site on each sampling date: substrate type, percent cover of vegetation, percent cover of detritus, temperature, turbidity, velocity and whether the area was shaded or sunny, or both. Chemical parameters measured included pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and alkalinity. Using pairwise correlations and comparing frequencies of occurrence, various factors were found to be associated with the presence or absence of some species of Haliplidae. Other species were found to be more ubiquitous in habitat selection. Several species preferred lotic habitats, while most were characteristic inhabitants of lentic situations. Some geographic variations were disclosed by the east-west nature of the transect. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Zoology". |
| Physical Description: | xxi, 306 leaves : illustrations, maps ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references: pages 107-120. |