Diversity, phenology and distribution of mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera) along an altitudinal gradient in two permanent Wadis of Algeria. (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yalles-Satha, Amina; Alami, Majida El; Kechemir, Lina Hanane; Desvilettes, Christian; Chenchouni, Haroun
• Is Part Of: Oriental insects. Volume 56:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Algerian fauna -- Aquatic biodiversity -- Kebir-Rhumel Wadi -- mayflies -- Seybouse Wadi; Insects -- Asia -- Periodicals; Entomology -- Periodicals; Insects -- Classification -- Periodicals; 595.7095
• DOI: 10.1080/00305316.2021.1904022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-5316

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The taxonomy of mayflies in Wadis of Seybouse and Kebir-Rhumel in Algeria is poorly studied since a long time. This research aimed at studying diversity and distribution of Ephemeroptera fauna at the Kebir-Rhumel and Seybouse Wadis. Using a hand net, mayfly larvae were collected from the running waters along an upstream–downstream gradient at seven sites in Kebir-Rhumel Wadi (altitude range = 677‒0.7 m) and 10 sites in Seybouse Wadi (altitude range = 622‒20.7 m). Samplings totalled 399 larvae classified into eight species belonging to eight genera and six families. Two species ( Ecdyonurus rothschildi and Choroterpes ( Choroterpes ) atlas are endemic to the Maghreb). Caenis luctuosa, Baetis pavidus, Cloeon cf. dipterum and Ephemera glaucops occurred in both Wadis. Choroterpes atlas and Potamanthus luteus were exclusive to the watershed of Wadi Kebir-Rhumel and Ecdyonurus rothschildi and L abiobaetis neglectus were exclusive to Seybouse Wadi. In both Wadis, mayfly diversity increased in sites with dense vegetation and large bed width which offers a wide heterogeneity of habitats. Following regional IUCN Red Lists in Europe, E. glaucops has a critical conservation status, whereas Potamanthus luteus is near threatened. Our findings represent the first check-list of Ephemeroptera in northeastern Algeria Wadis, which are still not sufficiently charted.