Habitat distribution and associations of the aquatic heteroptera of Balearic Islands (Spain)

Abstract

Twenty-five species of aquatic Heteroptera were collected from the Balearic Islands . Five are first records (Sigara nigrolineata, Micronecta scholtzi, Ranatra linearis, Notonecta meridionalis and Hebrus pusillus) . Previous records are also discussed . The spatial structure of the communities on the Islands is analysed . The different abundance of species and their characteristic habitats are identified . The species associations for each island are established through factorial analysis (correspondence analysis) ; a total of 8 associations are defined . They represent permanent habitats, with the exception of one, characteristic of seasonal ponds of Mallorca. Within the permanent lentic habitats, a clear difference occurs between artificial habitats ('albercas' : stone or cemented man-made irrigation ponds) and natural pond habitats .