Record of aquatic invertebrates associated with the bromeliads Aechmea ornata (Baker) and Aechmea recurvata (Klotzsch) L. B. Sm in two Atlantic Rainforest fragments of south Brazil

Bromeliads are numerous both in diversity and abundance in the Atlantic Rainforest, one of the most threatened biomes on Earth. They are also an important habitat for several animal species that live in the water retained by its rosette structure. In this study, we aimed to characterize and compare the macroinvertebrate community of two bromeliad species from Atlantic forest fragments. One is characteristic of Dense Ombrophilous Forests, Aechmea ornata, and the other occurs in Mixed Ombrophilous Forests, Aechmea recurvata. We sampled and identified macroinvertebrates form 24 bromeliads, 12 of each species. A total of 19 taxa and 656 specimens were sampled. In both bromeliad species, Diptera was the most abundant insect order (n=417), represented mostly by mosquitoes (n=227) and non-biting midges (n=107), followed by Scirtidae marsh beetles (n=216). Aechmea ornata presented higher abundance and lower invertebrate richness compared to Aechmea recurvata. Seven taxa were exclusive of A. recurvata, eight were common to both, and four, including a sponge, occurred only in A. ornata. The most abundant invertebrate taxa were common to both bromeliads and are regarded as typical of lentic environments. On the other hand, the high number of exclusive species indicates that conservation efforts should include bromeliads from these two phytophysiognomies to secure protecting the diversity of phytotelmata communities. Resumo: As bromélias são numerosas em diversidade e abundância na Mata Atlântica, um dos biomas mais ameaçados do planeta. Elas também são um habitat importante para várias espécies de animais que vivem na água retida por sua estrutura em roseta. Neste estudo, objetivamos caracterizar e comparar a comunidade de macroinvertebrados de duas espécies de bromélias de fragmentos de Mata Atlântica. Uma é característica de Floresta Ombrófila Densa, Aechmea ornata, e a outra ocorre em Floresta Ombrófila Mista, Aechmea recurvata. Amostramos e identificamos macroinvertebrados de 24 bromélias, 12 de cada espécie. No total foram registrados 19 táxons e 656 espécimes. No geral, Diptera foi a ordem de inseto mais abundante (n = 417), representada principalmente por culicídeos (n = 227) e quironomídeos (n = 107), seguidos por besouros Scirtidae (n = 216). Comparativamente a A. recurvata, A. ornata apresentou maior abundância e menor riqueza de invertebrados. Sete táxons foram exclusivos de A. recurvata, oito foram comuns a ambas e quatro, incluindo uma esponja, ocorreram