Temporary Water Bodies Research Articles

Effect of low temperatures on the reproduction of summer and perennial rotifers from temperate regions: ecological and life cycle implications

Summer and perennial planktonic rotifers from temperate regions can vary greatly in their ability to reproduce at low temperatures. The population growth rate (r day−1) of a Patagonian Keratella tropica was 0.025 at 3.9 °C and gradually increased to 0.083 at 9.3 °C. The ability of this rotifer to survive and reproduce at low winter temperatures suggests that populations in permanent waters with cold winters may have life cycles with little or no commitment to sexually produced diapausing eggs. In contrast, three Brachionus taxa from two localities in southeastern Australia reproduced poorly at low temperatures. At 3.9 °C, all females died before reproducing. At 6.1 °C, only a single amictic female of the Darling Brachionus (B. calyciflorus species complex) from Lake Littra survived to produce a few offspring. At 9.3 °C, amictic females of the Darling Brachionus from both Lake Littra and a billabong produced many more offspring (7–9 offspring female−1) than those of the Lake Littra B. calyciflorus and the billabong B. rubens (1–2 offspring female−1). At 14.9 °C, amictic females of the latter two taxa, and the Darling Brachionus from Lake Littra, produced many (14–17) offspring female−1. Seasonal changes in temperature occurring in natural populations of these Brachionus taxa should have important ecological and evolutionary implications. Low temperatures likely favor the occurrence and reproduction of the Darling taxon. The inability of active individuals to survive and reproduce at low winter temperatures may be a factor favoring selection for sexual reproduction and production of resting eggs in both permanent and temporary water bodies.

Biotic factors determine ecosystem processes in environments with different hydrological regimes

Abstract The interest in understanding ecosystem functioning has grown in recent years due to the effects of species loss on ecosystem processes. Even though biotic and abiotic factors control ecosystem processes, their relative influence may vary according to ecosystem dynamics. In flood and coastal plains, these dynamics are mainly represented by flood pulses and hydroregime, respectively. The objective of this study was to investigate the importance of abiotic and biotic factors for the ecosystem processes represented by zooplankton secondary production (SP), biomass (ZB), and resource use efficiency (RUE) in lentic waterbodies subjected to different hydrological regimes. We hypothesised that abiotic factors would more strongly determine the ecosystem processes in temporary waterbodies and floodplain lakes, given their greater susceptibility to environmental changes. Biotic factors would be more relevant in coastal lagoons due to their greater temporal stability. Sampling was undertaken quarterly over 1 year in eight coastal lagoons, 10 temporary ponds and five floodplain lakes. The environments were characterised in relation to limnological variables, and zooplankton functional divergence, functional dispersion (FDis), functional evenness, functional richness, and taxonomic richness were measured. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to verify seasonal changes in SP, ZB, RUE, functional diversity, richness, and abiotic factors. Linear mixed models were used to determine which abiotic and biotic factors were the most important for ZB, SP, and RUE. In the coastal lagoons, RUE differed over time. In the temporary ponds and floodplain lakes, no seasonal significant differences were observed for any of the zooplankton production variables. The linear mixed model analyses showed that models composed mainly of biotic factors were better fitted to the production variables. For coastal lagoons, phytoplankton density affected ZB, SP, and RUE increasing them by 9.9 mg DW/m3, 12.4 mg DW/m3, and 1.23, respectively. For temporary ponds, FDis lowered ZB by 6.9 mg DW/m3 and taxonomic richness increased SP and RUE by 14.2 mg DW/m3 and 1.17, respectively. For floodplain lakes, FDis lowered ZB it by 9.9 mg DW/m3 and functional divergence lowered RUE by 0.81. The present study demonstrates that biotic factors are the main determinants of ecosystem processes in neotropical lentic waterbodies, irrespective of their annual hydrological regimes. Complementarity effects and high functional diversity are more important in more stable environments, whereas redundancy and low functional diversity prevail in environments subject to more frequent environmental changes. Biotic factors play a major role in ensuring the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and indicate the important role of biodiversity in enabling ecosystem states to be maintained after disturbances and to prevent changes in ecosystem processes.

Prevalence of Stegomyia albopicta in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India

Dengue is one of the rapidly spreading mosquito-borne diseases transmitted worldwide by the bites of infected Stegomyia aegypti and St. albopicta mosquito. Both species are adapted for human habitation and breeds mainly in temporary water bodies. In the present study, a preliminary larval survey was carriedout in four different localities of Dakshina Kannada District. Of the 1094 suspected water bodies, 496 sites showed the presence of St. albopicta larvae and none of them showed the presence of St. aegypti indicating the dominance of the former species. The occurrence of St. albopicta was significantly higher in natural phytotelmata compared to artificial containers. Among the different breeding sites, receptacles contributed 24.5% of larval positivity. The receptacles also showed a higher breeding preference ratio (1.56) indicating that abandoned waste thrashes when receives water may act as the most preferred breeding sites for dengue vector species.

Phyllodiaptomus (Phyllodiaptomus) roietensis, a new diaptomid copepod (Copepoda, Calanoida) from temporary waters in Thailand and Cambodia, with a key to the species.

Phyllodiaptomus (Phyllodiaptomus) roietensissp. nov. was collected from temporary water bodies in Roi Et and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces in northeastern Thailand and Kampong Thom Province in central Cambodia. The new species is closely related to Phyllodiaptomus (P.) surinensis Sanoamuang & Yindee, 2001 in that it shares common morphological characters in the males: urosomites 2–3, P5 intercoxal sclerite, right P5 Exp-2, and left P5 Exp. Minor differences on the right antennule, right caudal ramus, P5 basis and Enp exist. The females differ in their Pdg 5, genital double-somite, and P5. An updated key to the species of the genus Phyllodiaptomus Kiefer, 1936 is provided.

Second generation effects of larval metal pollutant exposure on reproduction, longevity and insecticide tolerance in the major malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis (Diptera: Culicidae)

BackgroundMembers of the Anopheles gambiae complex breed in clean, sunlit temporary bodies of water. Anthropogenic pollution is, however, altering the breeding sites of the vectors with numerous biological effects. Although the effects of larval metal pollution have previously been examined, this study aims to assess the transgenerational effects of larval metal pollution on the major malaria vector An. arabiensis.MethodsTwo laboratory strains of An. arabiensis, SENN (insecticide-susceptible) and SENN-DDT (insecticide-resistant), were used in this study. After being bred in water polluted with either cadmium chloride, copper nitrate or lead nitrate, several life history characteristics that can have epidemiological implications (fertility, apoptotic damage to reproductive structures, adult longevity and insecticide tolerance) were examined in the adults and compared to those of adults bred in clean water.ResultsAll metal treatments reduced fecundity in SENN, but only lead treatment reduced fertility in SENN-DDT. Cadmium chloride exposure resulted in apoptosis and deformation of the testes in both strains. After breeding generation F0 in polluted water, F1 larvae bred in clean water showed an increase in longevity in SENN-DDT adult females. In contrast, after breeding the F0 generation in polluted water, longevity was reduced after cadmium and copper exposure in the F1 generation. Larval metal exposure resulted in an increase in insecticide tolerance in adults of the SENN strain, with SENN-DDT adults gaining the greatest fold increase in insecticide tolerance.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that a single exposure to metal pollution can have transgenerational effects that are not negated by subsequent breeding in clean water.

The genus Spondylosium Brebisson ex Kutzing in waterbodies of West Siberia (Russia)

The article generalizes data on the species diversity of the genus Spondylosium Brebisson ex Kutzing representatives in waterbodies of West Siberia, their distribution over zones and subzones. At present, 8 species and intraspecific taxa of the order Desmidiales are known in the region. These family representatives are mosaic spread throughout the territory of West Siberia. The largest numbers of taxa (5) are found in middle taiga, 1 and 3 taxa – in southern and northern taiga, respectively, from 2 to 4 taxa – in other zones. No species is recorded in the steppe zone. 6 species (7 taxa) of this genus are identified in lakes of diverse types, 4 species are known in streams, 2 species – in mires and temporary waterbodies. The analysis of the species confinement to environmental conditions has shown that the genus representatives can serve as indicators of acidic and slightly mineralized water. Indifferents (6 taxa) predominate as mineralization indicators, acidophiles (6 taxa) prevail among pH indicators.

The First Find of Vestalenula danielopoli (Martens, Rossetti et Fuhrmann, 1997) (Crustacea, Ostracoda, Darwinulidae) in Holocene deposits of Western Siberia

Finds of the European fossil species Vestalenula danielopoli in the Holocene peat deposits of Western Siberia are reported. The age of the deposits is 8850 cal yr BP. The species first appeared at the beginning of the Atlantic period (5750 cal yr BP), and disappeared at the beginning of the Subatlantic period (2200 cal yr BP). Vestalenula danielopoli co-occurred with species typical for temporary shallow bodies of water.

Different invasibility of permanent and temporary waterbodies in a semiarid Mediterranean Island

ABSTRACTNonindigenous species (NIS) represent a threat to aquatic biodiversity worldwide. However, freshwater ecosystems in drylands are potentially more prone to biological invasions than those located in temperate regions because of the higher number of artificial waterbodies generally occurring in these areas, which might act as invasion hubs for NIS. We review the available information about NIS in Sicilian waterbodies, discuss the role exerted by artificial lakes and ponds in facilitating the establishment of NIS in arid and semiarid areas, and compare the invasibility of permanent and temporary waterbodies in drylands. Artificial waterbodies increase the target-area effect for dispersers and provide a hospitable environment for NIS because of their recent origin and the lack of efficient biological filters against newcomers, thus acting as bridgeheads and invasion hubs favouring invasive species. Finally, we propose actions to attenuate the threats caused by NIS to the sensitive native biota of aquatic ecosystems in drylands.

Global meta‐analysis reveals that invertebrate diversity is higher in permanent than in temporary lentic water bodies

Abstract One of the main constraints affecting invertebrate diversity in many freshwater lentic habitats is the presence of a dry phase which forces aquatic organisms to avoid this period through the migration to other water bodies or the production of resting stages. Field studies show contradictory results when comparing invertebrate diversity in permanent (PW) and temporary lentic waters (TW). Our objective was to test how diversity is influenced by the permanence of water in lentic habitats, and which factors affect the magnitude and direction of this difference, including sampling design. Through a systematic review, 66 publications were selected and classified according to the sampling design (spatial, temporal, and spatio‐temporal datasets). Meta‐analysis of the spatial dataset, which included 70% of the studies, revealed that diversity in PW was higher than in TW, and this difference was not influenced by annual precipitation, dispersal mode, habitat type or level of anthropogenic impact (proximity to urban or agricultural areas). We found a significantly higher effect size (PW greater than TW) when considering species richness rather than cumulative richness or Shannon diversity index, disconnected water bodies (hindering the exchange of individuals through water connection), organisms with passive dispersal (which cannot actively avoid the dry period), and study sites with high anthropogenic impact (where temporary habitats could undergo impacts; e.g. concentration of pollutants and eutrophication). We also found that the differences in diversity between PW and TW may decrease with increasing sampling effort. This result may be attributable to high species turnover due to the higher temporal environmental variation in TW relative to PW. Also, it indicates that sampling effort should be comparatively higher in TW to properly characterize the biodiversity in these environments in order to compare with PW. As global climate continues to change, our results suggest that loss in aquatic invertebrate diversity of TW will be likely to occur in regions where the frequency of drying events increases.

Beetles (Coleoptera) in Stagnant Water Bodies of the Middle Part of the Gydan Peninsula

The fauna of water beetles of the main types of stagnant water bodies in the middle part of the Gydan Peninsula was studied. Altogether, 20 species were found, with 2 to 16 species recorded in diff erent types of water bodies. The family Dytiscidae was represented by the greatest number of species; the most diverse genera were Agabus and Hydroporus, which together accounted for 60% of the total species richness. Most of the recorded species have vast ranges extending both longitudinally and latitudinally. The East Palaearctic species Helophorus niger was recorded within the “penetration area” at its western distribution boundary. The most common species in the material studied were Agabus serricornis and A. arcticus. Beetles were the most abundant in floodplain lakes and temporary water bodies. The highest faunal similarity was recorded between temporary water bodies and swamps.

Effect of inbreeding on sex ratio in the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata

ABSTRACT Female-biased sex ratios are adaptive in populations founded by a small number of individuals and are mainly due to local mate competition (the haystack model). However, little empirical support for this theory exists and, with the exception of terrestrial vertebrates and arthropods, very little is known about the possible mechanisms for biased sex ratios under this model in animals. The highly invasive freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata usually reproduces in small temporary water bodies and is characterized by genetically based variable brood sex ratios. We conducted a mating experiment to test the prediction that sex ratio is biased towards females in inbred populations. Inbred lines (pairing of a male and a female from the same brood) and outcrossed lines (pairing of a male and a female from different broods) were reared in the lab, and sex ratios were compared between these two breeding types for three generations (the F1 generation was produced by outcrossing only). As predicted, the sex ratios of the inbred lines showed greater bias towards females (average proportion of males per generation was 0.38–0.40) than the outcrossed lines (0.45–0.55). The female-biased sex ratios of P. canaliculata may facilitate rapid population growth and may thus enhance the invasive capacity of this snail. Female-biased sex ratios under metapopulation structures, as predicted by the haystack models, may be more common than previously considered.

Fusion of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 image time series for permanent and temporary surface water mapping

ABSTRACT Monitoring the spatial and temporal extents of permanent and temporary bodies of surface water is important for various applications such as water resource management, climate modelling, and biodiversity conservation. Satellite remote sensing is an effective source of information to detect surface water over large areas and document their evolution in time. Recently, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched freely available SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and optical sensors (Sentinel-1 & 2) with high revisiting time and spatial resolution. The objective of this paper is to explore the contribution of multi-temporal and multi-source (passive and active) Sentinel observations for improving the detection and mapping of surface waters by applying decision-level image fusion techniques. The approach is tested over Central Ireland using a time series of 16 Sentinel-1 images and a few Sentinel-2 images for the period 2015–2016. Compared to a mono-date approach, the combination of Sentinel-1 & 2 observations provides better accuracy for mapping permanent surface water. Decision level fusion technique allows mapping temporary surface water (such as flooding) with a high accuracy. It also gives the possibility to monitor their dynamics by providing the probability of occurrence of flooded areas at the pixel level.

RASPBERRY PI 3 MULTISPECTRAL LOW-COST SENSOR FOR UAV BASED REMOTE SENSING. CASE STUDY IN SOUTH-WEST NIGER

Abstract. The technology of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) is rapidly improving and UAV-integrated sensors have kept up with it, providing more efficient and effective solutions. One of the most sought-after characteristics of on-board sensors is the low costing associated to good quality of the collected data. This paper proposes a very low-cost multiband sensor developed on a Raspberry device and two Raspberry Pi 3 cameras that can be used in photogrammetry from drone applications. The UAV-integrated radiometric sensor and its performance were tested in in two villages of South-west Niger for the detection of temporary surface water bodies (or Ephemeral water bodies): zones of seasonal stagnant water within villages threatening the viability and people’s health. The Raspberry Pi 3 cameras employed were a regular RGB Pi camera 2 (Red, Green, Blue) and a NoIR Pi 3 camera v2 (regular RGB without IR filter) with 8MPX resolution. The cameras were geometrically calibrated and radiometrically tested before the survey in the field. The results of the photogrammetry elaborations were 4 orthophotos (a RGB and NoIRGB orthophoto for each village). The Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) was calculated. The index allowed the localization and the contouring of the temporary surface water bodies present in the villages. The data were checked against the data collected with a Sony (ILCE-5100). Very high correspondence between the different data was detected. Raspberry-based sensors demonstrated to be a valid tool for the data collection in critical areas.

Comparative study of six emergent macrophyte species for controlling cyanobacterial blooms in a tropical reservoir

Interactions between macrophytes and phytoplankton have been studied extensively in temperate water bodies, but far less attention has been paid to those for emergent macrophytes in the tropics. We investigated the effects of six emergent macrophyte species (Brachiaria mutica, Ipomoea aquatica, Sphagneticola trilobata, Ludwigia adscendens, Pandanus amaryllifolius and Persicaria barbata) on the phytoplankton community of a tropical reservoir using ex situ experiments with multiple planting densities (Treatment 1: 0.108, Treatment 2: 0.24, Treatment 3: 0.40, Treatment 4: 0.58 g dry weight L−1) in 100-L mesocosms. Chlorophyll a (as a proxy of total phytoplankton biomass) and phytoplankton community structure were examined. The initial phytoplankton community (average chlorophyll a: 20.36 ± 0.69 µg L−1) was dominated by cyanobacteria: Planktolyngybya, Pseudanabaena and Cylindrospermopsis (average relative biovolume 0.68 ± 0.03). Over four weeks, L. adscendens (Treatments 3 and 4) and P. barbata (Treatments 2 to 4) significantly reduced chlorophyll a concentrations by 3.29–6.69 µg L−1 compared to the controls. Comparing species effects over four weeks for Treatment 4, P. barbata significantly lowered chlorophyll a concentrations compared to I. aquatica while there were no significant differences between all other species. All treatments of L. adscendens and P. barbata significantly reduced the relative biovolume of cyanobacteria in the phytoplankton communities by 0.19–0.39 compared to the controls. The highest-density treatments of all six macrophyte species led to significant shifts in the phytoplankton community structure by reducing the relative abundance of filamentous cyanobacteria (Planktolyngbya, Pseudanabaena) and/or increasing the relative abundance of cryptomonads (Chroomonas, Rhodomonas). This study shows the potential of emergent macrophyte species, especially L. adscendens and P. barbata, to reduce total phytoplankton biomass and cyanobacterial dominance in tropical water bodies, and a range of plant densities which were effective.

Odonate assemblages of urban stormwater ponds: the conservation value depends on pond type

Urbanisation is among the most severe drivers of the recent biodiversity crisis. It has been shown that stormwater ponds have a high value for the conservation of dragon- and damselflies in urban areas. However, information on the relevance of different types of stormwater ponds is lacking so far. The aim of this study was to compare the Odonata assemblages of three types of urban stormwater ponds (n per type = 10): (i) ponds only containing temporary water bodies (TEMP), (ii) ponds with temporary and small perennial water bodies (TEMP/PERE) and (iii) ponds with one large perennial water body (PERE). We observed distinct differences in environmental conditions and Odonata assemblages among the three types of stormwater ponds. In particular, vegetation structure and the partly interrelated microclimate differed considerably between TEMP on the one hand, and TEMP/PERE and PERE on the other hand. Odonate species richness and exuviae density of threatened species differed, too. Due to their early successional stages with low cover of riparian woodland and shallow water bodies, TEMP were characterised by a warmer microclimate than TEMP/PERE and PERE. Odonate species richness and exuviae density of threatened species were highest in TEMP and lowest in PERE. Moreover, indicator species were only identified for TEMP. Our study showed that stormwater ponds with a temporary hydroperiod play an important role for the conservation of odonates in urban areas. This is especially the case for specialised threatened species, such as Libellula depressa and Ischnura pumilio.

Centrohelid Heliozoans from Freshwater Habitats of Different Types of South Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, Chile

The species composition of centrohelid heliozoans from freshwater habitats of different types (sphagnum bog, temporary and permanent water bodies and streams) of Southern Chile has been studied. Fourteen species (Acanthocystis nichollsi, A. pectinata, A. penardi, Pseudoraphidiophrys discoidea, P. formosa, P. veliformis, Raphidiophrys ovalis, Choanocystis perpusilla, Pterocystisfoliaceatruncata, P. pyriformis, P. quadrata, Raineriophrys erinaceoides, R. fortesca, and R. pteromorphos) are observed. Two species (Acanthocystis nichollsi and Pterocystis quadrata) are recorded in Chile for the first time. Most of these species are recorded in Southern Chile for the first time. Electron microscopy is used to investigate the external morphology of scales, having important diagnostic value. Morphological descriptions and micrographs of studied scales amplify the concept of intraspecies variability and supplement the diagnosis of species.

Utilizing larvicidal and pupicidal efficacy of Eucalyptus and neem oil against Aedes mosquito: An approach for mosquito control.

Background and Objectives:Plant-based products can provide safe and biodegradable mosquito control agents. The essential oils have a strong odor due to complex secondary metabolites and exhibit lower density than that of water, which renders them suitable to form a thin layer above the water surface. The present study was designed to evaluate the larvicidal, pupicidal activity of Eucalyptus and neem oils against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.Materials and Methods:We evaluated the activity of commercially available Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and neem (Azadirachta indica) oils against larvae and pupae of A. aegypti and A. albopictus for their larvicidal and pupicidal activity, stability in different water types, dependence on volume and surface area of the water body, and residual efficacy.Results:Eucalyptus oil was found to be more effective against larvae and pupae at lower concentrations, i.e., concentration at which 50% is observed (LC50) for larvae and pupae was 93.3 and 144.5 parts per million (ppm) and concentration at which 90% is observed (LC90) was 707.9 and 741.3 ppm, respectively, while for neem oil, LC50 for larvae and pupae was 7852 and 19,054 ppm and LC90 was 10,092 and 19,952 ppm, respectively. The efficacy of Eucalyptus oil depended on surface area rather than volume of water, and the residual efficacy of Eucalyptus oil was up to 8 days.Conclusions:Eucalyptus oil was more effective against mosquito larvae at lower concentration as compared to neem oil. It can, therefore, be utilized in the community in artificial and small temporary water bodies as an eco-friendly vector control measure in the era of increasing resistance to chemical insecticides.

Occurrence of non-native red cherry shrimp in European temperate waterbodies: a case study from Hungary

The international pet trade has caused numerous introductions of non-native species globally. This is also true for freshwater decapod crustaceans including the red cherry shrimp. This tiny creature has been previously found in thermally polluted waters in Europe (Germany and Poland). Here, we present its first occurrence in Hungary and in the entire Carpathian Basin. The species was sampled once per month over 1 yr, from November 2017 to November 2018 in a natural thermal pond (spa) and also in an adjoining non-thermal brook in Miskolctapolca, Hungary. Shrimps were preyed upon by adult fishes in the locality but many individuals, including ovigerous females and juveniles, were recorded within the survey continuously. The density of shrimps was positively correlated with the water temperature, despite some individuals being found in the non-thermal stream and also in winter. We consider that the population of this species in Hungary is now well-established and self-sustaining.

Sinkholes as a source of life in the Dead Sea region

In recent decades, the Dead Sea region has suffered greatly from anthropogenic activities that have resulted in a massive decrease of the Dead Sea water level. This decrease has allowed the penetration of fresh ground water into the underground layer, which dissolved the salt layer and created sinkholes. Presently there are over 5000 sinkholes spread across the west bank of the Dead Sea, some of which are filled with water originating from rainfall, flash floods and spring water. Although sinkholes are detrimental to road infrastructure and tourist sites, they have dramatically increased the number of aquatic habitats surrounding the Dead Sea. In a cross-sectional study of 94 sinkholes along the north-west bank of the Dead Sea, coupled with a longitudinal study of six sinkholes, we examined how the community of invertebrates in the sinkholes is affected by environmental and geographic variables and how biological succession occurs in the sinkholes. We found that sinkholes are populated mainly by aquatic insects, which have high tolerance of a variety of environmental conditions. We also found that the community of invertebrates in the sinkholes is shaped by environmental variables such as salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, water temperature and the size of the sinkhole. We further found that the geographic distance between the sinkholes increases spatial species turnover and that species turnover across time was high. Patterns of species composition were similar in all the sinkholes, with the community structure during the wet season changing from early to mid-season, and then again from mid-season to late season. Interestingly, despite the extreme conditions of the water of the sinkholes, their seasonal succession processes were similar to those of temporary water bodies along the Mediterranean coast of Israel.

Reproductive site selection in a bromeliad breeding treefrog suggests complex evolutionary trade-offs.

Reproductive site selection is a key determinant of fitness in many taxa. However, if the site characteristics that enhance offspring survival are detrimental to the parent’s survival or mating success, then complex evolutionary trade-offs occur. In the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, males of the treefrog species Aparasphenodon arapapa use the temporary water bodies in forest-floor bromeliads to court and mate. Males fit tightly into the plant with the head blocking the access and after mating, stay in the bromeliad with the offspring. Since evaporation of the temporary water body inside the bromeliad results in reproductive failure, we expected that males would simply choose the largest bromeliad tanks with the most water. We found that although this was generally true, males seemed to avoid both very large bromeliads and very high water volumes. Field observations suggested a trade-off mechanism for this pattern, whereby very large and water-filled tanks would reduce the male’s ability to effectively seal the tank entrance, avoid predation, or call to mating females. Males also avoided bromeliads with leaf litter and preferred slightly inclined plants. Our results indicate that during reproductive site selection, this bromeliad-breeder needs to engage in complex trade-offs between selection pressures, balancing water requirements against the need for defense and potentially, the ability to attract a mate.