Distribution, Density and Diversity of Dipterans in a Temporary Pond in Okomu Forest Reserve, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Some aspects of the ecology of Diptera were studied in a temporary pond in Okomu Forest Reserve, southern Nigeria between January 1988 and December 1989. Twenty six morphologically distinct taxa were identified, of which 14 were chironomids. The dominant taxa were Polypedilum (43%), Alluaudomyia (21%), Culex (11%), Pentaneura (10%), and Chironomus (5%). Spatial and temporal variations in the individual dipteran taxa during this period are considered in relation to inter-station differences in macrophyte cover, exposure to sunlight, substratum, and changing environmental factors, such as temperature, water level, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH and nutrients. The distribution, density and diversity of dipterans were principally influenced by macrophytes, substratum, water level, temperature and pH. The ecology of ceratopogonids, chironomids, culicids and stratiomyids are discussed in this paper.

Journal of Aquatic Sciences Volume 16, April 2001, pp. 43-52



KEY WORDS:

Temporary pond, Diptera, distribution, density, diversity.