Thorax temperature and niche characteristics as predictors of abundance of Amazonian Odonata

Abstract

Environmental architecture and body temperature drive the distribution of ectothermic species, especially those with specific ecophysiological requirements or narrow ecological niches. In this study, we evaluated the connection between thorax temperature and niche specialization concerning the abundance and species contribution to the beta diversity of adult Odonata in Amazonian streams, employing the Species Contribution to Beta Diversity (SCBD). Our hypotheses were (i) Odonata species’ thorax temperature is positively correlated with both morphology (thorax width) and air temperature, and (ii) the thorax temperature of the Odonata assemblage serves as a more influential predictor than niche specialization in determining species abundance and SCBD. We sampled 46 streams in an anthropized landscape in the Northeastern and Southeastern regions of Pará state, Brazil. Notably, niche breadth emerged as the variable influencing the abundance and SCBD of the Odonata assemblage. Niche position is a predictor for Odonata SCBD and not suborders, and predictor for abundance, except for Anisoptera. Both suborders exhibited a negative relationship between abundance and thoracic temperature. In summary, our results underscore the necessity of considering both niche and ecophysiological predictors to comprehensively assess the Odonata assemblage in Amazonian streams. This holistic approach has implications for conservation efforts and bioassessment practices, offering valuable insights into the collective response of Odonata as a group.