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AQUATIC COLEOPTERA OF PEATLANDS AND MARSHES IN CANADA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

David J. Larson*
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada A1B 3X9
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Abstract

A rich fauna of water beetles, comprising 11 families and 485 species, occurs in Canadian peatlands and marshes. These beetles are diverse with respect to morphology, feeding habits, life-history patterns, and even in the degree to which they occur in water. Major adaptations to peatland and marsh habitats are described. Based on species composition, the following regional communities of marsh-inhabiting beetles are recognized: arctic, boreal, Cordilleran, grasslands, and eastern temperate. Peatlands possess a community of beetles similar to that of boreal marshes but contain enough unique elements to warrant separate recognition. However, based on water beetle distribution, it is not possible to subdivide peatlands into bog and fen communities because these habitats have many species in common. Future needs for research on wetland water beetles are identified.

Résumé

On retrouve dans les tourbières et les marécages du Canada une faune coléoptérienne aquatique riche comprenant 485 espèces réparties dans 11 familles. Ces coléoptères sont diversifiés quant à leur morphologie, leurs habitudes alimentaires, leurs cycles vitaux et même leur degré d'établissement dans le milieu aquatique. On décrit les principales adaptations aux tourbières et aux marécages. D'après la composition spécifique, on reconnait les communautés régionales suivantes : arctique, boréale, cordillérienne, des prairies, et tempérée de l'est. Les tourbières abritent une communauté de coléoptères semblable à celle des marécages nordiques, mais avec suffisamment d'éléments particuliers pour justifier une distinction. Cependant, la répartition des coléoptères aquatiques ne permet pas de distinguer de comunautés des tourbières ombrotrophes et minérotrophes, parce que ces habitats ont trop d'espèces en commun. On a identifié des besoins précis de recherches sur les coléoptères aquatiques des milieux humides.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1987

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