Holo- and hemimetabolism of aquatic insects: Implications for a differential cross-ecosystem flux of metals

Abstract Increased metal concentrations in aquatic habitats come as a result of both anthropogenic and natural sources. Emerging insects that play an indispensable role these environments, transferring resources energy to higher trophic levels terrestrial habitats, may inadvertently also act biovectors for metals other contaminants. This study measured 22 different detected biofilm, life stages Trichoptera Odonata, well riparian spiders, examine the uptake transfer from freshwater ecosystems. We show emerging ecosystems, however with large losses observed on boundary two environments. Significantly lower most adult were hemimetabolous (Odonata) holometabolous insect orders (Trichoptera). In Trichoptera, however, this difference was greater between (larvae pupae) compared pupae adults. Trophic have played decreasing concentrations, generally adhered following pattern: biofilm > aquatic insects > terrestrial invertebrates. Exceptions observation handful essential (Cu, Zn, Se) non-essential (Cd, Ag), which their larval counterparts, predators prey. Overall, all found be bioavailable biotransferred contaminated waters invertebrates some degree, suggesting risks associated metal-contaminated freshwaters could extend systems through emergence potential invertebrate biovectors.