The effect of riparian forest on landscape connectivity for the EPT community across European regions

Abstract Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera are three orders of freshwater macroinvertebrates with a short terrestrial adult life-stage that they use to disperse by flying upstream. This aerial dispersal can be assisted native riparian forest, but regional variation has not yet been empirically tested. In this study we compared the EPT community 153 sampling sites located in streams four European regions (Central Plains, Central Highlands, Alps, Iberia). each site, assessed ability using Species Flying Propensity index. We also calculated deciduous forest cover buffer several environmental stressors such as saprobic pollution or catchment anthropization. Finally, tested which these parameters have significant effect on community. Highlands Iberia, share weak dispersers increased cover, indicating positive EPTs. Plains no was found. conclude depends landscape characteristics species pool, considering communities is needed create effective river management policies.