Container Color and Location Affect Macroinvertebrate Community Structure in Artificial Treeholes in Panama

Abstract

I investigated the effects of habitat color and location on community structure in artificial water-filled treeholes in the forest of Barro Colorado Island, Panama. The macroinvertebrate fauna of 9 replications (5 in understory, 4 in tree-fall gaps) of black, blue, red, and green 650 ml plastic cups were censused weekly for 7 wks. Macroinvertebrate abundance and species richness were greater in understory cups than in gap cups. Seven species colonized black cups exclusively. Black cups in the understory, and red and black cups in gaps, attracted more species on average than other colors. Species richness and abundance were consistently lowest in green cups. Species were more broadly distributed among cup colors in the understory, suggesting that diffuse light conditions influenced color perception. There was no overlap in species composition between water in the artificial treeholes and water held by red Heliconia bracts or green tank bromeliads.