Impact of ecological attributes and feeding categorization of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) insects in Kiliyur falls of Eastern Ghats, India

Abstract

Investigation on the diversity, ecology and trophic categorization of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera complex (EPT) was carried out in Kiliyur falls of the Eastern Ghats. An aggregate of 2,189 specimens belonging to 24 genera, 12 families and 3 orders were collected. Ephemeroptera was found to be high when compared to Plecoptera and Trichoptera. Baetidae was the most abundant taxa of all with presence of 5 genera and 6 species. Shannon-Weiner index and Simpson’s index were calculated and it shows that Shannon-Weiner index was elevated in the August (2.882) and declines in January (2.744). Simpson’s index was most noteworthy in December (0.9325) and it was least in January (0.9321). Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) shows that temperature, dissolved oxygen and rainfall turns into a major stressor in the EPT community of Kiliyur falls. Cluster analysis results prove that Baetidae and Caenidae shows comparative dispersion pattern as opposed to Teloganodidae and Perlidae. Functional feeding group (FFG) analysis shows that Kiliyur stream was overwhelmed by collectors followed by scrapers, predators and filter-feeders.