Use of the Zygoptera/Anisoptera Ratio (Insecta: Odonata) for Habitat Alteration Assessment in Cerrado Streams

Natural landscapes of Latin America, such as the Cerrado biome, are increasingly changing due to conflicting development models between economic growth and biodiversity conservation. In cases total or partial suppression natural vegetation, more sunlight reaches streams, leading changes in Odonata assemblages. Due their thermoregulation characteristics, proportion suborder Anisoptera tends increase whereas Zygoptera will decrease, this is sensitive habitat loss. We assessed whether proportions individuals species richness changed environmental quality loss stream habitats. Also, we performance ratios using genus family level. conducted our study at 18 streams Mato Grosso State, Brazil. sampled communities measured each Habitat Integrity Index. To assess relationship ratios, performed generalized linear with beta distribution family. The showed that integrity caused decrease increase. addition, found <em>Acanthagrion</em>/Zygoptera <em>Argia</em>/Zygoptera a strong integrity, being plausible alternatives for use monitoring programs. conclude Zygoptera/Anisoptera ratio good indicator biome therefore makes suitable tool citizen science programs which no taxonomic expertise required.