Variation in the diversity of semiaquatic bugs (Insecta: Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) in altered and preserved veredas

Veredas environments play a critical role on the perennialization of streams in the Cerrado Biome, but alterations to their physiognomies are becoming increasingly more common, which directly affects abiotic variation and the structure of biological communities. Our study evaluates the effect of abiotic variations and environmental alterations upon the abundance, richness, and composition of species of semiaquatic bugs, where we test whether there are significant differences in conserved and altered veredas. Species richness was higher on altered veredas and there was no difference in abundance between altered and preserved veredas. The composition of conserved veredas was more homogeneous. Five species were associated with altered veredas and one to conserved areas. There were abiotic changes in the veredas that affected the abundance, richness, and/or composition of Gerromorpha. Ease of access to soil usage and to water for farming activities and pasture might be the main factors contributing to the alteration of veredas in this region. Gerromorpha community structure was modified by the environmental passive in areas of veredas, thus allowing to measure the degree of alterations to these systems, being a useful tool for monitoring and conservation.