Diversity, Composition and Distribution of Aquatic Insects in Liwagu Water Catchment, Tambunan, Sabah

Abstract

A study was carried out from 10-14 November 2011 to determine the diversity, composition and distribution of aquatic insects in the streams of Kisolong, Molongis and Hatob waterfalls. Six stations were selected in each stream with one station located at the upper reach and another situated at the lower reach. A 100 metre reach of the stream was selected for each sampling site. Surber net measuring 500 micron mesh size rectangular quadrat of 30 cm X 30 cm (0.09 m2) was used. A total of 2163 individuals representing 61 families from eight orders were successfully recorded. Heptageniidae (Ephemeroptera), Perlidae and Peltoperlidae (Plecoptera) and Hydropsychidae (Trichoptera) were the most abundant families collected in each stream. Based on biotic indices, all streams were undisturbed and had good water quality.