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<p>Understanding the importance of organisms in processes that facilitate ecosystem functioning is a relevant and timely issue. In this context, the genera <i>Phylloicus</i> (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae) and <i>Triplectides</i> (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) stand out as leaf fragmenters that aid in the decomposition of organic matter in streams. This study aims to answer the following question: Is there a difference in leaf fragmentation between the genera <i>Phylloicus</i> and <i>Triplectides</i> in Cerrado streams? Immature insects from both genera were captured in the field, brought to the laboratory, acclimatized, and individually placed in aquariums, where they fragmented leaf discs of <i>Casearia sylvestris</i> Swartz. These discs were weighed before and after being made available to the insects. The results showed that <i>Triplectides</i> exhibited a higher leaf consumption rate than <i>Phylloicus</i>, although the latter demonstrated greater survival rates. These findings suggest that both genera contribute to leaf fragmentation in Cerrado streams in distinct ways. While <i>Phylloicus</i> has a lower fragmentation capacity per individual, literature suggests that it has larger populations in streams compared to <i>Triplectides</i>. Therefore, strategies to protect these insects, such as maintaining water quality and surrounding vegetation, also aid in the decomposition of organic matter occurring in streams.</p>

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Comparing leaf fragmentation by Phylloicus sp. and Triplectides sp. (Insecta: Trichoptera) in Cerrado stream ecosystems

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月28日

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  • João Batista Araujo Leite,
  • Janaina Gomes de Brito,
  • Vanessa Silva de Almeida,
  • Leandro Schlemmer Brasil

摘要

Understanding the importance of organisms in processes that facilitate ecosystem functioning is a relevant and timely issue. In this context, the genera Phylloicus (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae) and Triplectides (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) stand out as leaf fragmenters that aid in the decomposition of organic matter in streams. This study aims to answer the following question: Is there a difference in leaf fragmentation between the genera Phylloicus and Triplectides in Cerrado streams? Immature insects from both genera were captured in the field, brought to the laboratory, acclimatized, and individually placed in aquariums, where they fragmented leaf discs of Casearia sylvestris Swartz. These discs were weighed before and after being made available to the insects. The results showed that Triplectides exhibited a higher leaf consumption rate than Phylloicus, although the latter demonstrated greater survival rates. These findings suggest that both genera contribute to leaf fragmentation in Cerrado streams in distinct ways. While Phylloicus has a lower fragmentation capacity per individual, literature suggests that it has larger populations in streams compared to Triplectides. Therefore, strategies to protect these insects, such as maintaining water quality and surrounding vegetation, also aid in the decomposition of organic matter occurring in streams.