The effects of salinity on the ecology of a coastal temporary pond (Data)

Temporary waters are relatively understudied environments, particularly within the Caribbean. Regionally understudied as well are the insect fauna associated with coastal environments. The present study sought to identify factors affecting the salinity of a coastal temporary pond and the subsequent ecological interactions. When water was present, the aquatic physical and chemical properties were recorded, and macroinvertebrate fauna were collected. Soil and water were collected for analyses and associations between the aquatic environment and fauna detailed. Fauna collected overall represented 6 orders, 11 families, 14 genera and 18 species throughout 4 salinity phases, ranging from freshwater to hypersaline. The hypersaline phase was distinct from other phases, notably in salinity (maximum 78 parts per thousand) and water temperature (maximum 41°C). In general, species richness and number of functional feeding groups were lower at higher salinities. The brackish phase however, had grea...