Abstract
The macroinvertebrate colonization and decomposition of two types of leaf litter was studied in four streams in Israel. These included a permanent oligohaline stream, a winter temporary (clean) stream, a winter temporary (polluted) stream and an intermittent stream. Leaf packs of leaves of the native reed Phragmites australis and the exotic tree Eucalyptus rostrata were studied. Leaves decomposed fastest in the permanent oligohaline stream, which was also the warmest stream. In the cooler, clean temporary stream, decomposition rates were nearly as high. The slow decomposition in the polluted stream was associated with a delay in conditioning. In the intermittent stream, decomposition was retarded by periodic dry bed conditions. Permanent water flow is not necessary for normal decomposition to occur. Total colonization rates of invertebrates are more important for litter decomposition than faunistic composition, richness or diversity.
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