Dataset - Seasonal and microhabitat heterogeneity as structuring factors of the functional diversity of benthic entomofauna in an Atlantic Forest stream

Environmental heterogeneity plays a key role in structuring stream communities. This study assessed how seasonality and substrate heterogeneity affect the functional diversity of aquatic insects in the Jumelo Stream, an Atlantic Forest stream in southern Brazil. Macroinvertebrates were sampled across four seasons and three substrates: fine sediment, coarse substrate, and leaf litter. Functional diversity was generally higher during fall and on structurally complex substrates. Fine sediment supported lower richness and functional space occupancy. Seasonality had the strongest influence on functional organization, while substrate heterogeneity further filtered ecological strategies. Maintaining heterogeneous substrates and riparian vegetation is essential for conserving functional biodiversity.