Ecology of a species of Sayomyia (Diptera, Chauburidae) in a marsh at Restinga de Maricá, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Abstract

In a quantitative sampling carried our in a sand dune marsh at Restinga de Maricá, 901 larvae and pupae of one species of the genus Sayomyia were caught from January, 1987 to February, 1988. The occurrence of the species was concentrated in the winter - spring period (78% of individuals). Although depth variation was the main determining factor of macroinvertebrate adaptations and populational fluctuations in the waterbody. The frequencies of Sayomyia sp. were mainly explained out by the presence of Spirogyra sp. (Chlorophyta) and pH variation. The abundance of this alga is pointed out as responsible For the nutrient availability for phytoplankton and, consequently zooplankton, the main food sources for Sayomyia sp.