Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the decay of Pinus pinaster needles in a Mediterranean stream and the role of macroinvertebrates in this process. Fine and coarse mesh bags containing pine needles or plastic strips were exposed in the stream and retrieved periodically to determine weight loss of the needles and the numbers and biomass of the macroinvertebrates associated with these substrates. Degradation rates of needles were low when compared with other leaf types but in the range of values reported for related species (k = -0.0039 to -0026/day). Higher rates were obtained in coarse mesh bags than in fine mesh bags. Colonization of pine needles was delayed when compared to plastic strips.
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