IntroductionTop
Streams in the Mediterranean regions are shaped by sequential, unpredictable, seasonal events of flooding and drying over an annual cycle (Sánchez-Montoya, 2008). In addition to this intrinsic stress, they are subjected to intense human pressures, like flow regulation, intensive agriculture land use and diverse sources of pollution (Gasith & Resh, 1999; Prat & Munné, 2000; Bonada et al., 2007). These impacts affect both their aquatic and riparian biotic communities (Bruno et al., 2014).
Bioassessment approaches and biodiversity inventories are major conservation tools (Moore et al., 2003; Sánchez-Fernández et al., 2006), directed to assess and reduce the loss of biodiversity. However, ecological and biological information are still lacking for rivers in the less-developed countries of the Mediterannean region, which are also less successful in the implementation of sustainable river management policies and species conservation programs (Bonada & Resh, 2013; Taybi et al., 2018).
Odonata, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera (OCH) are aquatic invertebrates with a high dispersal capacity in a large variety of aquatic habitats. They inhabit pratically all kinds of fresh and brackish water habitats, from the smallest ponds to lagoons and wetlands, and from streams to irrigation ditches (Abellán et al., 2005). They can withstand a large range of environmental and anthropogenic stresses at different spatial and temporal scales (Abellán et al., 2005; Carbonell et al., 2011; Touaylia et al., 2013; Abdul et al., 2017), providing a large contribution to the species richness of aquatic insects in the Mediterranean area (Ribera et al., 2003; Abdul et al., 2017). Likewise, OCH have developed a great variety of morphological and ecological adaptations to seasonal variation and the deterioration of habitat quality (Jäch & Balke, 2008; Pérez-Bilbao et al., 2014) and are good indicators of environmental disturbance (Tierno de Figueroa et al., 2013; Villalobos-Jiménez et al., 2016). Thus, it is necessary to characterize chorotypes and the zoogeographic distribution of OCH taxa, and to consider this biogeographical approach as an important functional tool to assess changes in the composition of aquatic communities and identify areas of high biodiversity and endemism (Sánchez-Fernández et al., 2006; Tierno de Figueroa et al., 2013; Villalobos-Jiménez et al., 2016).
The complex biogeographical history combined with its paleogeographic antecedents and its proximity to the Iberian Peninsula made the Rif an exceptional Mediterranean refugial area with high endemism levels and an appropriate region for faunistic and biogeographical studies (Bennas et al., 1992; Blondel et al., 2010). In this context, we selected the Martil bassin in Northwestern Morocco, at the Mediterranean Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve, to undertake a bioassessment of OCH taxa assemblages under the impact of strong climatic gradients and high levels of human disturbance.
In recent years, significant efforts have been directed towards studying the ecological status and biogeographical patterns of freshwater organisms in Morocco, but the knowledge of the benthic communities at the specific level remains insufficient, which requires the integration of biotic approaches and bioassessment of aquatic ecosystems in ecological management programs to obtain a broad overview of the state of aquatic biodiversity in Morocco (Tierno de Figueroa et al., 2013; Slimani et al., 2016).
The goals of the current study are (1) to identify the OCH communities and species assemblages occuring in the Martil basin as well as the identification of the chorotypes to which they belong, (2) to provide information on the changes in the patterns of abundance and OCH taxa richness in response to the spatio-temporal variability of environmental gradients, and (3) to enhance our knowledge of the OCH distribution and specific richness across this Mediterranean river.
Material and methodsTop
STUDY AREA
The study was performed in the Martil basin located in the Northwestern of Morocco, which is part of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. Martil watershed is relatively small, encompassing an area of 1259 km2 (Oualad Mansour et al., 2009).
The hydrographic network of the Martil basin is divided into an upper section with steeply sloping streams in the mountain peaks, which join up in streams with more moderate slopes and end up converging downstream in the main river, Oued Martil, which has appropriated the same name as that of the watershed. This latter is born in Tamouda from the confluence of its main tributaries (Oueds Mhajrat, Khemis, and Chekkoûr). The most features that represent the streams in this basin are intermittency, irregularity of the hydrological regime, and the shortness of the streams length due to the proximity of the mountains (upstreams) to the sea.
The landscape characteristics include high areas occupied by relatively dense forest cover and those in the medium altitude areas are generally occupied by traditional and relatively limited agricultural practices while lowlands are covered by the agricultural, industrial and urban areas allowing a high variability in aquatic ecosystems in the Martil basin.
Rainfalls are irregular with the average annual precipitation varying between 500 and 750 mm/year. The climate of the study area is mainly Mediterranean with an average annual temperature ranging from 15 to 19°C (Karrouchi et al., 2016).
SAMPLING
A total of 20 sampling sites based on various criteria such as accessibility, distribution throughout the basin to cover different localities (Table 1), upstream/downstream positioning, and sources of pollution were sampled seasonally from Autumn 2015 to Spring 2018, except for the Autumn of 2016 where there was a severe period of drought that caused most streams to dry up and lowering of water level in dams.
| Sampling code | Stream Name | Locality | Hydrological feature | Altitude (m) | Latitude (N) | Longitude (E) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | Tkaraa | Amsemlil | Permanent | 1062 | 35.260853 | -5.433088 |
| S2 | Taida | Taida | Permanent | 505 | 35.368489 | -5.537077 |
| S3 | Khemis | Khemis Anjra | Intermittent | 63 | 35.666099 | -5.505862 |
| S4 | Nakhla | Beni Moussa | Permanent | 300 | 35.393437 | -5.364708 |
| S5 | Hamma | Hamma | Intermittent | 204 | 35.389764 | -5.49841 |
| S6 | Zarka | Kitane | Permanent | 33 | 35.542186 | -5.341914 |
| S7 | Khemis | Souk Lakdim | Ephemeral | 34 | 35.61406 | -5.495428 |
| S8 | El Kkbir | Beni Ider | Permanent | 191 | 35.390201 | -5.490493 |
| S9 | El Kkbir | Koudiet Krikra | Intermittent | 164 | 35.412099 | -5.458864 |
| S10 | Nakhla | Amtil | Intermittent | 217 | 35.426507 | -5.392345 |
| S11 | Nakhla | Koudiet Krikra | Permanent | 115 | 35.453238 | -5.425047 |
| S12 | Khemis | Saddina | Ephemeral | 17 | 35.576058 | -5.472726 |
| S13 | Chekkoûr | Amzal | Ephemeral | 13 | 35.555426 | -5.459121 |
| S14 | Mhajrat | Ben Karrich | Ephemeral | 20 | 35.521951 | -5.440142 |
| S15 | Martil | Laouzyene | Ephemeral | 11 | 35.560363 | -5.431216 |
| S16 | Martil | Tamouda | Permanent | 10 | 35.561271 | -5.416152 |
| S17 | Martil | Taboula | Permanent | 10 | 35.566403 | -5.407741 |
| S18 | Martil | Roumana | Permanent | 8 | 35.559141 | -5.387614 |
| S19 | Martil | Coelma | Permanent | 5 | 35.565425 | -5.35002 |
| S20 | Martil | Diza | Permanent | 1 | 35.599797 | -5.284467 |
Macroinvertebrate samples (adult and larvae) were collected seasonally to detect variabilities in the OCH assemblage using a Surber sampler (20 × 20 cm) and kick technique with a standard hand net (25 × 25 cm) in order to take into account all available microhabitats likely to host OCH taxa. The organisms were sorted and preserved in a plastic box in alcohol for later identification.
In the laboratory, all specimens belonging to the OCH families have been separated and identified firstly to family level under a binocular microscope using taxonomic keys of Sansoni (1992) and Tachet et al. (2002), and subsequently identified to species level with the help of specialists who are quoted as co-authors in this present paper.
The chorological category for each species was ranked according to the classification by La Greca (1964, 1975) and Vigna Taglianti et al. (1999).
The following abbreviations have been used in the material examined following each species: L – Larvae, A – Adult.
ResultsTop
The examination of 6596 individuals of Odonata, Coleoptera and Hemiptera collected from the twenty sites in Martil basin enabled us to identify 102 species grouped in 61 genera and 27 families.
Coleoptera was the most dominant order, which contains the highest number of species recorded in the Martil basin, represented by 10 families, 32 genera and 65 species, followed by Hemiptera with 9 families, 15 genera and 24 species, while Odonata was represented by 7 families, 13 genera and 13 species. Dytiscidae was the most dominant family comprising the highest species diversity (22 species) in our study area, while Agabus Leach, 1817, Hydroporus Clairville, 1806 (Dytiscidae) and Hydraena Kugelann, 1794 (Hydraenidae) were the most diverse genera (5 species). As regards to species, Aulonogyrus striatus (Fabricius, 1792) (Gyrinidae, Coleoptera) was the most dominant and common species in the Martil basin, occurring at 19 stations with 19% of the total OCH samples.
Seasonal trends exhibited great contrasts in the abundance and diversity of OCH taxa between seasons. Indeed, species richness ranged from 59 species recorded in Spring 2017 to 19 species reported in Autumn 2015, whereas the abundance varied between 1411 individuals observed in Summer 2016 and 198 observed in Winter 2017 (Fig. 1).
|
Fig. 1.— Variación estacional de la riqueza de especies (a) y abundancia (b) de OCH durante el período de estudio en la cuenca del río Martil. |
Referring to the studied sites, Oued Tkaraa (S1) which is located in the protected Natural Park of Bouhachem was the station with the greatest species richness and abundance (51 species and 747 individuals). In addition, it is important to highlight that 14 species were exclusively reported in this station (S1), whereas at the nearest station to the mouth of Martil River (downstream), represented by the station Diza (S20), we only recorded one species (Sigara lateralis) throughout the sampling period (Fig. 2).
|
Fig. 2.— Variación de la riqueza de especies de OCH entre las estaciones de muestreo durante el período de estudio en la cuenca del río Martil. |
A total of 89 species were recorded from permanent sites (S1, S2, S4, S6, S8 and S11), whereas 55 species were observed in intermittent stations (S3, S5, S9, S10), 48 species were encountered in ephemeral localities (S7, S12, S13, S14, S15) and finally only 36 species were found in the highly impacted permanent stations downstream (S16, S17, S18, S19, S20) (Fig. 3).
|
Fig. 3.— Diagramas de caja (mediana, min-max) mostrando las variaciones de la riqueza de especies de taxones de OCH muestreados en la cuenca del río Martil durante todo el período de estudio, según los tipos de río. |
The following checklist provides information on the material examined, the chorotype, the habitat where the species was found, and on the regional and global distribution of each species found in the Martil basin during our survey period.
ODONATA
Family CALOPTERYGIDAE Buchecker, 1876
Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis (Vander Linden, 1825)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S3: 16-V-2018 (1 L); S15: 21-V-2018 (1 L).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species frequents all types of running water, including fast mountain streams (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Common species in northern Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, and mentioned in the main bioclimatic areas in these countries including the Saharan zone (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; Boudot, 2008; Boudot et al., 2009; Boudot & De Knijf, 2012; El Haissoufi et al., 2015; Taybi et al., 2019).
Family LESTIDAE Selys, 1840
Chalcolestes viridis Vander Linden, 1825
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 28-IV-2017 (1 L), 19-VI-2017 (4 L); S3: 20-V-2016 (6 L), 16-V-2018 (2 L); S12: 16-V-2018 (1 L); S19: 26-V-2017 (3 L).
CHOROTYPE. W-Palaearctic.
HABITAT. This species characterizes the habitats from the smallest streams to the largest rivers bordered by busches and trees with soft bark (El Haissoufi et al., 2008).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Chalcolestes viridis extends from the northwest of Morocco to the Central Plateaus of the Middle Atlas and the eastern region, from where it extends eastwards up to northern Tunisia (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; Boudot, 2008; Boudot & De Knijf, 2012; El Haissoufi et al., 2015; Taybi et al., 2019).
Family COENAGIONIDAE Kirby, 1890
Ischnura graellsii (Rambur, 1842)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S19: 16-II-2018 (6 L).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species is mainly found in running waters (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Widely distributed throughout the north and the west of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, but mostly replaced by Ischnura saharensis south of the Atlas ranges although both species are sympatric and syntopic in the Moulouya River basin (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; Boudot, 2008; Boudot et al., 2009; Boudot & De Knijf, 2012; El Haissoufi et al., 2015; Taybi et al., 2019).
Pyrrhosoma nymphula (Sulzer, 1776)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-III-2017 (1 L), 29-IV-2017 (1 L).
CHOROTYPE. Palaearctic.
HABITAT. Strictly confined to springs and brooks of the medium mountains (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; Boudot 2008; Boudot & De Knijf 2012).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, the range of this species is limited to the Rif Mountains, the Middle and the High Atlas, and the Eastern region (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; Boudot, 2008; Boudot & De Knijf, 2012; Waldhauser, 2012; El Haissoufi et al., 2015). During our investigations in the Martil basin, P. nymphula was only found in Oued Tkaraa (S1).
Family AESHNIDAE Selys, 1850
Aeshna mixta (Latreille, 1805)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S3: 16-V-2018 (1 L); S15: 21-V-2018 (1 L).
CHOROTYPE. Palaearctic.
HABITAT. This species seems to prefer marshes and rivers with low current in lowlands areas, although it aestivate in summer at hiher altitude (Samraoui et al. 1998; Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; Boudot, 2008; El Haissoufi et al., 2010; Boudot & De Knijf, 2012).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, A. mixta was reported from the Middle Atlas, Central Plateau, the Rif domain and recently in the Eastern Morocco (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999, El Haissoufi et al., 2015; Taybi et al., 2019).
Boyeria irene (Fonscolombe, 1838)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 20-V-2016 (1 L), 17-III-2017 (1 L), 27-IV-2017 (1 L); S2: 20-V-2016 (2 L), 28-IV-2017 (1 L), 23-IV-2018 (1 L); S6: 11-V-2017, 12-XI-2017 (1 L), 25-I-2018 (1 L); S8: 11-III-2017 (1 L), 16-V-2017 (1 L).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species is mainly associated with fresh water in hilly and mountainous areas (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; Boudot, 2008; Boudot & De Knijf, 2012).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Boyeria irene appears preferably in the Maghrebian Atlas and Rif mountain ranges, east up to Tunisia (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999, Boudot et al., 2009; El Haissoufi et al., 2015, Taybi et al., 2019).
Family GOMPHIDAE Selys, 1850
Onychogomphus uncatus (Charpentier, 1840)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 24-VI-2016 (1 L), 27-IV-2017 (2 L), 15-VI-2017 (1 L); S6: 12-XI-2015 (1 L), 31-III-2016 (6 L), 11-V-2017 (1 L), 12-XI-2017 (1 L), 25-I-2018 (1 L).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species seems to be regularly present in mountainous streams with swift water (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Onychogomphus uncatus is commonly associated with the mountainous areas of Morocco (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; Boudot, 2008; Boudot & De Knijf, 2012; El Haissoufi et al., 2015; Taybi et al., 2019).
Onychogomphus forcipatus unguiculatus (Vander Linden, 1823)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-III-2016 (1 L); S6: 12-XI-2017 (2 L), 25-I-2018 (1 L); S8: 11-III-2017 (1 L), 16-V-2017 (1 L).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This Onychogomphus is usually found in lotic habitats of wide and deep lowland rivers (El Haissoufi et al., 2008).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species is widespread in northern Morocco, the Middle Atlas, the Central Plateau and the eastern region (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; Boudot et al., 2009; El Haissoufi et al., 2015; Taybi et al., 2019).
Family CORDULEGASTERIDAE Fraser, 1940
Cordulegaster boltonii algirica Morton, 1916
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-XII-2015 (1 L), 18-III-2016 (2 L), 17-II-2017 (2 L), 5-VI-2017 (3 L), 27-IV-2017 (3 L), 20-XI-2017 (3 L).
CHOROTYPE. Endemic Ibero-Maghrebian.
HABITAT. This mountainous species reproduces exclusively in running waters (brooks and rivers) (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; Boudot, 2008; Boudot et al., 2009; Boudot & De Knijf, 2012).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, this species frequents the mountainous areas of the Western and Eastern Rif and the Middle Atlas (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; El Haissoufi et al., 2015; Taybi et al., 2019).
Family LIBELLULIDAE Selys, 1850
Libellula quadrimaculata Linnaeus, 1758
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 20-III-2016 (1 L), 07-III-2017 (1 L); S10: 27-I-2018 (1 L).
CHOROTYPE. Holarctic.
HABITAT. This species mainly occupies stagnant waters (swamps, pools, ponds and lakes) (Slimani et al., 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, this species is mostly confined to the Rif and the Atlas domains (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; El Haissoufi et al., 2015).
Sympetrum striolatum (Charpentier, 1840)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 24-VI-2016 (1 L), 15-VI-2017 (12 L), 20-XI-2017 (10 L), 17-I-2018 (6 L).
CHOROTYPE. Palaearctic.
HABITAT. This species reproduces in both lotic (brooks) and lentic (marshes, pools, ponds and lakes) waters (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; El Haissoufi et al., 2008; Boudot & De Knijf, 2012).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species was encountered from various sites in the north of Morocco, from where it extends eastwards up to Tunisia (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; Boudot et al. 2009; El Haissoufi et al., 2015; Taybi et al., 2019). During our investigation at Martil basin it was only found in Oued Tkaraa (S1).
Trithemis kirbyi ardens (Gerstaecker, 1891)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S7: 04-I-2018 (1 L).
CHOROTYPE. Afrotropical-Palaearctic.
HABITAT. Species usually frequent in rocky localities with poor vegetation (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, this Trithemis has been cited especially in arid and semi-arid mountainous areas. It has been recently reported from the Rif region. Our record from Oued Khemis is the most northern locality known so far for this species in our country (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; El Haissoufi et al., 2015; Taybi et al., 2019). Taking advantage of several heat waves since the turn of the millenium, T. kirbyi shows a fast northwards expantion and invaded recently the main part of the Iberian Peninsula from 2007 to 2016, reaching ultimately the south of France, where it is now reproducing (Polette et al., 2017; Doniol-Valcroze et al., 2021).
Zygonyx torridus (Kirby, 1889)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S11: 10-I-2018 (1 L).
CHOROTYPE. Afrotropical-Palaearctic. It is unclear wether the few Indian records refer to established populations or to only vagrant or migrant individuals.
HABITAT. This species reproduces in streams, particularly in streches with fast current and waterfalls, in arid or semi-arid regions (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species has been found in some localities in the Atlas Mountains and the eastern region of the country (Jacquemin & Boudot, 1999; Boudot, 2008; Boudot & De Knijf, 2012; Taybi et al., 2019). Our research confirms its presence in northwestern Morocco for the first time after earlier captures by Dumont (1972) at Oued Laou (El Haissoufi et al., 2008).
COLEOPTERA
Family GYRINIDAE Thomson, 1860
Aulonogyrus (Aulonogyrus) striatus (Fabricius, 1792)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-III-2016 (2 A), 29-IV-2016 (1 A), 7-II-2017 (1 A), 15-VI-2017 (2 A), 14-II-2018 (1 A); S2: 29-V-2016 (2 A); S3: 14-XII-2015 (31 A), 17-III-2016 (4 A), 15-VI-2016 (2 A), 8-III-2017 (1 A), 27-V-2017 (2 A), 16-V-2018 (4 A); S4: 16-III-2016 (8 A) 27-V-2016 (36 A), 22-VI-2016 (59 A), 19-III-2017 (1 A), 24-V-2017 (27 A), 12-VI-2017 (11 A), 8-XII-2017 (37 A), 27-I-2018 (10 A), 14-IV-2018 (4 A); S5: 19-XII-2015 (2 A) 4-IV-2016 (7 A), 24-VI-2016 (6 A), 11-III-2017 (4 A), 18-VI-2017 (56 A); S6: 11-XII-2015 (50 A) 15-III-2016 (15 A) 31-IV-2016 (17 A), 26-VI-2016 (28 A), 11-V-2017 (7 A), 16-VI-2017 (30 A), 12-XII-2017 (124 A), 25-I-2018 (10 A), 18-V-2018 (8 A); S7: 17-III-2016 (1 A) 20-V-2016 (8 A), 15-VI-2016 (1 A), 27-V-2017 (33 A), 17-VI-2017 (11 A), 16-V-2018 (1 A); S8: 29-V-2016 (29 A), 24-VI-2016 (14 A), 11-III-2017 (18 A), 16-V-2017 (19 A), 18-VI-2017 (22 A), 18-II-2018 (4 A); S9: 19-XII-2015 (3 A) 29-V-2016 (3 A), 11-III-2017 (5 A), 16-V-2017 (1 A), 18-VI-2017 (17 A), 15-XII-2017 (1 A), 18-II-2018 (8 A), 23-IV-2018 (2 A); S10: 23-V-2016 (25 A), 24-VI-2016 (9 A), 22-VI-2016 (38 A), 16-V-217 (29 A), 12-VI-2017 (21 A), 11-XII-2017 (14 A), 27-I-2018 (25 A), 14-V-2018 (12 A); S11: 20-XII-2015 (46 A), 15-III2016 (5 A) 23-V-2016 (7 A), 22-VI-2016 (4 A), 25-V-2017 (1 A), 18-VI-2017 (3 A), 11-XII-2017 (1 A); S12: 20-V-2016 (1 A), 27-V-2017 (45 A), 17-VI-2017 (8 A); S13: 20-V-2016 (9 A), 19-VI2016 (2 A), 8-III-2017 (1 A), 26-V-2017 (10 A), 11-VI-2017 (7 A), 16-V-2018 (5 A); S14: 13-XII-2015 (25 A), 23-V-2016 (4 A), 11-VI-2017 (7 A), 07-I-2018 (1 A), 16-V-2018 (4 A); S15: 3-VI-2016 (1 A), 16-VI-2016 (2 A), 8-III-2017 (1 A), 28-V-2017 (3 A), 12-VI-2017 (11 A); S16: 3-III-2016 (2 A), 16-VI-2016 (1 A), 28-V-2017 (2 A), 13-VI-2017 (1 A); S17: 3-III-2016 (2 A); S18: 4-VI-2016 (4 A); S19: 18-XII-2015 (32 A), 4-VI-2016 (14 A), 26-V-2017 (2 A).
CHOROTYPE. Holo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species occurs in various aquatic habitats such as puddle, backwaters and freshwater (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Common species in Morocco especially in its northern part (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a), with a widespread distribution in the Martil River basin.
Gyrinus (Gyrinus) caspius Ménétries, 1832
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S3: 20-V-2016 (3 A); S6: 26-VI-2016 (2 A); S8: 19-XII-2015 (1 A); S14: 12-VI-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Centralasiatic-Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. The species seems to prefer pools, ponds, puddles and slowly flowing streams (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Moroccan distribution area of Gyrinus caspius is restricted to the Rif, Middle Atlas and central plateau (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Benamar et al., 2021a). In our study area, it was found infrequently in some middle streams.
Gyrinus (Gyrinus) dejeani Brullé, 1832
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 29-IV-2016 (13 A), 20-VI-2016 (15 A), 27-IV-2017 (9 A), 15-VI-2017 (1 A), 20-XI-2017 (4 A), 14-II-2018 (1 A), 12-V-2018 (4 A); S2: 29-V-2016 (3 A), 26-VI-2016 (5 A), 28-V-2017 (12 A), 19-VI-2017 (2 A), 11-XII-2017 (7 A), 23-IV-2018; S3: 15-VI-2016 (1 A), 27-V-2017 (3 A), 16-V-2018 (3 A); S4: 16-III-2016 (2 A), 27-V-2016 (1 A), 24-V-2017 (2 A), 12-VI-2017 (3 A), 8-XII-2017 (1 A); S5: 28-IV-2017 (3 A), 23-V-2018 (7 A); S6: 11-XII-2015 (3 A), 15-III-2016 (4 A), 11-V-2017 (1 A), 16-VI-2017 (1 A), 25-I-2018 (4 A), 18-V-2018 (5 A); S7: 27-V-2017 (1 A), 16-V-2018 (11 A); S8: 16-V-2017 (2 A), 13-V-2018 (1 A); S9: 24-VI-2016 (1 A), 18-II-2018 (3 A), 23-IV-2018 (1 A); S10: 23-V-2016 (2 A); S11: 11-XII-2015 (3 A): 16-V-2017 (2 A); S12: 20-V-2016 (1 A), 27-V-2017 (2 A), 17-VI-2017 (3 A), 16-V-2018 (2 A); S13: 19-VI2016 (1 A), 26-V-2017 (1 A); S14: 28-V-2017 (3 A), 12-VI-2017 (1 A); S15: 12-VI-2017 (1 A); S16: 3-VI-2016 (1 A); S19: 4-VI-2016 (1 A), 19-VI2016 (16 A), 26-V-2017 (2 A), 10-VI-2017 (1 A), 18-V-2018 (7 A).
CHOROTYPE. Holo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Typical of pools, ponds and slowly flowing streams (Kıyak et al., 2006; Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species appears as a common species in Morocco (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Slimani et al., 2016; Benamar et al., 2021a), including Martil River basin.
Gyrinus (Gyrinus) urinator Illiger, 1807
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 20-VI-2016 (2 A); S2: 26-VI-2016 (15 A), 28-V-2017 (3 A), 19-VI-2017 (25 A), 18-II-2018 (1 A); S3: 17-III-2016; 20-V-2016 (18 A), 15-VI-2016 (5 A), 8-III-2017 (1 A), 27-V-2017 (6 A), 17-VI-2017 (9 A), 04-I-2018 (5 A), 16-V-2018 (21 A); S5: 24-VI-2016 (6 A), 11-III-2017 (1 A), 18-VI-2017 (5 A), 23-V-2018 (3 A); S6: 26-VI-2016 (2 A), 25-I-2018 (4 A); S7: 15-VI-2016 (2 A), 27-V-2017 (2 A), 17-VI-2017 (4 A); S8: 18-VI-2017 (6 A), 13-V-2018 (5 A); S9: 29-V-2016 (1 A), 23-IV-2018 (1 A); S10: 22-VI-2016 (2 A), 27-I-2018 (5 A); S11: 23-V-2016 (3 A), 18-VI-2017 (1 A); S12: 20-V-2016 (2 A), 15-VI-2016 (10 A), 27-V-2017 (4 A), 17-VI-2017 (13 A), 16-V-2018 (3 A); S13: 19-VI2016 (5 A), 26-V-2017 (1 A); S14: 28-V-2017 (3 A); S15: 12-VI-2017 (3 A); S19: 4-VI-2016 (3 A), 19-VI2016 (16 A).
CHOROTYPE. Holo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species appears preferably in areas paddled with rivers and streams, but also in ponds (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Widely distributed in the northern and eastern parts of Morocco with an extension to the Middle and High Atlas (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a). In Martil River basin the species was captured from upstream to downstream.
Orectochilus villosus bellieri Reiche, 1861
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S6: 31-IV-2016 (4 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This Orectochilus appears in rivers and streams, mainly on the banks of quiet areas. This nocturnal species is often submerged with great ability to dive (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Millán et al., 2014).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, its geographic distribution is mainly restricted to a few localities in the mains geographic domains of the country (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Benamar et al., 2021a). Rare species in the Rif, only known from two sites belonging to Laou River basin (Benamar et al., 2011). It was captured only in Oued Zarka (S6) during our sampling period.
Family HALIPLIDAE Thomson, 1860
Haliplus (Neohaliplus) lineatocollis (Marsham 1802)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S3: 20-V-2ax016 (1 A), 14-XII-2017 (2 A); S7: 15-VI-2016 (1 A); S14: 13-XII-2015 (2 A); S18: 18-XII-2015 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Palaearctic-Afrotropical.
HABITAT. Typical in rivers, pools and ponds, but it can also be found in any water bodies, lotic or lentic, soft or brackish (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Widely distributed in different geographic domains of Morocco, especially in its northwestern corner (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Slimani et al., 2016; Benamar et al., 2021a). The species was collected from some fairly scattered localities all over our study area.
Peltodytes caesus (Duftschmid, 1805)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S3: 8-III-2017 (1 A), 04-I-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Palaearctic.
HABITAT. This species can be found in a wide variety of habitats, such as backwaters of rivers, pools, ponds and lagoons with macrophytes (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Wide distribution patterns, with a fragmented range in the north of Morocco (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Benamar et al., 2021a). Our samples in the upstream of Oued Khemis (S3) represent the first record of this species from Martil basin.
Peltodytes rotundatus (Aubé, 1836)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S3: 17-VI-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Holo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species prefers backwaters of streams and rivers, also pools and ponds, always with macrophytes (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Cited from several localities throughout the mains domains of the country (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Taybi et al., 2017; Chakour et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a). This species was encountered only in the upper part of Oued Khemis (S3) in our study.
Family NOTERIDAE Bedel, 1880
Noterus laevis Sturm, 1834
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-III-2016 (13 A), 29-IV-2016 (3 A), 20-VI-2016 (5 A), 15-VI-2017 (5 A), 20-XI-2017 (1 A), 12-V-2018 (1 A); S2: 13-III-2016 (2 A); S3: 17-III-2016 (4 A), 20-V-2016 (1 A), 16-V-2018 (2 A); S18: 19-VI-2016 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Typical of lagoons and permanent freshwater wetlands with a certain degree of mineralization and abundant fine organic matter (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species has been encountered in various sites through Morocco (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Benamar et al., 2021a). Moreover, Noterus laevis have wide altitudinal ranges in Martil Basin.
Family DYTISCIDAE Leach, 1817
Agabus bipustulatus (Linnaeus, 1767)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 14-II-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Palaearctic-Afrotropical.
HABITAT. Typical of streams, but also of isolated pools in river stretches. Always in freshwater or little mineralized (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, it was captured in various localities in the Atlas, the Rif and the Oriental region (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a). One specimen was captured in sampling site (S1) during our study period.
Agabus brunneus (Fabricius, 1798)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 15-VI-2017 (1 A), 12-V-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Atlanto-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Typical of freshwater streams with macrophytes, appearing under stones in humid areas (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Abundant species in Morocco where it was reported from several localities of the mains geographical domains of the country (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a). It was only captured in Oued Tkaraa (S1) from Martil basin during our sampling period.
Agabus conspersus (Marsham, 1802)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S19: 26-V-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Palaearctic.
HABITAT. Typical species of ponds and wetlands, especially in water bodies with some degree of eutrophication and mineralization (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Very rare in Morocco in where it was only recorded by two citations dating back to the beginning of the last century. Our capture in the station (S19) located downstream is the first citation of this species in the Martil basin, and the second recent record in Morocco after its citation on the Bouhachem Natural Park (Slimani et al., 2016).
Agabus didymus (Olivier, 1795)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 20-VI-2016 (1 A), 27-IV-2017 (14 A), 15-VI-2017 (9 A), 12-V-2018 (3 A); S7: 17-III-2016 (1 A), 17-VI-2017 (1 A), 14-XII-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Common species in streams and rivers, although it can also occupy ponds and peat bogs (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Common species in the mains geographic areas of Morocco (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a).
Agabus nebulosus (Forster, 1771)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 27-IV-2017 (6 A), 20-XI-2017 (1 A), 14-II-2018 (1 A); S2: 28-V-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Typical of ponds and wetlands. It supports a certain degree of eutrophication and mineralization (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Very common species in Morocco especially in its northern part (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a).
Ilybius chalconatus (Panzer, 1796)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 28-V-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species occupies different types of aquatic habitats (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species is known from a few localities from scattered points in mountainous regions (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a).
Hydroglyphus geminus (Fabricius, 1792)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S19: 18-V-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Palaearctic Oriental.
HABITAT. Opportunistic species, typical in newly created habitats. This species prefers stagnant pond water and lagoons, although it appears in backwaters of rivers (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Hydroglyphus geminus is known from several scattered localities all over Morocco (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a). Our capture in Coelma constitute the first records for Martil River basin.
Yola bicarinata (Latreille, 1804)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S12: 15-VI-2016 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Atlanto-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Able to colonize different types of habitats, such as pools, ponds, or backwaters of streams, rivers and also in anthropized localities (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species appears widely distributed in Morocco, but mainly in the northern half (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a). Known only from (S12) in the lower part of Oued Khemis.
Deronectes faimairei (Leprieur, 1876)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-III-2016 (2 A), 20-VI-2016 (4 A), 27-IV-2017 (9 A), 15-VI-2017 (8 A), 14-II-2018 (1 A); S2: 13-III-2016 (2 A), 26-VI-2016 (2 A), 28-V-2017 (6 A); S3: 17-III-2016 (1 A), 8-III-2017 (2 A); S4: 16-III-2016 (3 A), 19-III-2017 (1 A), 12-VI-2017 (1 A), 8-XII-2017 (1 A); S5: 13-III-2016 (7 A), 28-IV-2017 (12 A), 15-XII-2017 (3 A), 18-II-2018 (1 A), 23-V-2018 (2 A); S6: 15-III-2016 (1 A), 26-VI-2016 (1 A), 11-V-2017 (1 A); S7: 17-III-2016 (12 A), 27-V-2017 (4 A), 14-XII-2017 (3 A), 04-I-2018 (7 A); S8: 16-V-2017 (15 A), 15-XII-2017 (6 A), 18-II-2018 (1 A), 13-V-2018 (2 A); S9: 13-III-2016 (5 A), 22-VI-2016 (1 A), 16-V-2017 (3 A), 15-XII-2017 (1 A), 18-II-2018 (1 A), 23-IV-2018 (1 A); S10: 11-XII-2017 (1 A); S11: 15-III2016 (4 A); S13: 26-V-2017 (1 A), 16-V-2018 (2 A); S14: 13-V-2018 (3 A); S15: 8-III-2017 (1 A), 13-V-2018 (1 A); S16: 8-XII-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Colonizes streams with wide variety of substrates and tolerates some levels of turbidity and eutrophic waters (Millán et al., 2014).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, it was reported from several localities (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a). It is the most common Dytiscidae in the Martil basin.
Deronectes hispanicus (Rosenhauer, 1856)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 13-III-2016 (1 A), 29-V-2016 (1 A), 26-VI-2016 (2 A), 23-IV-2018 (3 A); S3: 16-V-2018 (2 A); S7: 16-V-2018 (9 A); S12: 04-I-2018 (1 A); S13: 04-I-2018 (1 A); S14: 07-I-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Frequent in headwaters, medium-high Mountains, with thick substrates (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Species distributed exclusively in the Rif and Pré-Rif region and one remote locality in the High Atlas (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Slimani et al., 2016; Benamar et al., 2021a). In Martil River basin, the specie was recorded only in one upstream locality (Benamar et al., 2021a). Our study expands its distribution in this basin river.
Deronectes theryi (Peyerimhoff, 1925)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 12-V-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Moroccan Endemic.
HABITAT. This species can be found in well-preserved headwaters, typical of lotic freshwater systems (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. All collections of this species in Morocco were in isolated sites in the Occidental Rif, Middle, High and Anti Atlas (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Benamar et al., 2021a). Our catch at Oued Tkaraa (S1) constitutes the first record of this species in the Martil basin.
Nebrioporus clarkii (Wollaston, 1862)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S4: 8-XII-2017 (1 A); S14: 28-V-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Found in lotic systems with moderate current velocity (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species is frequently encountered all over Morocco (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a). It was captured only from two sites in the right side of Martil River basin.
Hydroporus discretus discretus Fairmaire & Brisout, 1859
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 12-XI-2015 (6 A), 18-III-2016 (1 A), 7-II-2017 (2 A), 15-VI-2017 (4 A), 20-XI-2017 (7 A), 14-II-2018 (5 A), 12-V-2018 (6 A); S2: 13-III-2016 (1 A), 11-III-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Palaearctic.
HABITAT. Mainly found in streams and pools and associated with river systems which are normally well-preserved sites, although it supports a certain level of eutrophication (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species was found from the northern half of Morocco and from a few localities at the central Plateau, High, Middle and Anti Atlas (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a). In Martil River basin the species was captured in upstreams.
Hydroporus lucasi Reiche, 1866
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 27-IV-2017 (7 A), 20-XI-2017 (1 A), 12-V-2018 (3 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Common in upstreams with a wide variety of substrates and habitats, but it abounds in freshwater ponds (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Usually distributed in the northern half of Morocco (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a). In our study, it was captured only from Oued Tkaraa (S1) at Bouhachem Natural Park.
Hydroporus memnonius Nicolai, 1822
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 15-VI-2017 (1A).
CHOROTYPE. Palaearctic.
HABITAT. Mountain species, it predominates in small water bodies, both in forests and in the open field, and often in substrates rich in mosses and leaf litter (Millán et al., 2014).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species was only once signalled for an isolated locality in the central Rif (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006). Our catches in Oued Tkaraa (S1) located at Bouhachem Natural Park constitute the second citation of this species in Morocco, which will expand its range of distribution at the Occidental Rif.
Hydroporus obsoletus Aubé, 1836
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-III-2016 (2 A), 27-IV-2017 (1 A), 20-XI-2017 (1 A), 14-II-2018 (2 A), 12-V-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Atlanto-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Appears in upstreams and prefers shallow running waters (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species is fairly well-known in Morocco (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Slimani et al., 2016; Benamar et al., 2021a). It was captured only at Oued Tkaraa (S1) in Bouhachem Natural Park in the upstream of Martil basin.
Hydroporus rifensis (Manuel, 2014)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 20-VI-2016 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Moroccan Endemic.
HABITAT. This species can be found in well-preserved lentic water bodies with a shallow depth (Manuel, 2014).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Distribution area of this endemic species is restricted to its type locality, Anassar Bab Berred in Central Rif (Manuel, 2014). Our catch in Oued Tkaraa at the Bouhachem Natural Park constitutes the first record of this species in the Occidental Rif.
Graptodytes ignotus (Mulsant, 1861)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 19-XII-2015 (2 A), 11-XII-2017 (1 A); S12: 15-VI-2016 (1 A), 04-I-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Typical of streams of medium altitude and rivers of small entity, appearing with some frequency in pools and slow sections of these river courses (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Widespread from all geographical domains of Morocco, especially in its northwestern part (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a).
Graptodytes varius (Aubé, 1836)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-III-2016 (1 A); S2: 13-III-2016 (1 A), 26-VI-2016 (2 A); S3: 27-V-2017 (1 A), 14-XII-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Atlanto-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Typical of backwaters and pools in small streams, with a wide variety of substrates (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Species reported in Morocco from its northern part and some sites in the central plateau, Middle and High Atlas (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Slimni et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a).
Stictonectes optatus (Seidlitz, 1887)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 15-VI-2017 (1 A), 15-VI-2017 (1 A); S2: 26-VI-2016 (1 A), 28-V-2017 (2 A), 11-XII-2017 (1 A), 18-II-2018 (2 A), 23-IV-2018 (1 A); S3: 17-III-2016 (1 A), 15-VI-2016 (3 A), 04-I-2018 (3 A); S7: 15-VI-2016 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species prefers slow sections and pools of freshwater streams in mountain areas (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species was recorded from several localities throughout the Rif and on scattered points covering all Moroccan geographic domains (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a).
Laccophilus hyalinus (De Geer, 1774)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S7: 15-VI-2016 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. In middle streams, it prefers areas paddled with aquatic vegetation. It supports eutrophy and high concentration of organic matter (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species is thought to be the most widely spread dytiscid in Morocco (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a). However, it is encountered only in the middle course of Oued Khemis (S7).
Laccophilus minutus (Linnaeus, 1758)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 17-III-2016 (1 A); S19: 26-V-2017 (4 A), 19-VI2016 (2 A), 18-V-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Palaearctic-Oriental.
HABITAT. Common species in stagnant waters of both permanent and temporary, fresh and eutrophied water bodies (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, the species is reported from all Moroccan geographic domains (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006; Taybi et al., 2017; Benamar et al., 2021a).
Family HELOPHORIDAE Latreille, 1802
Helophorus algiricus (Motschulsky, 1860)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 27-IV-2017 (1 A); S10: 14-V-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Endemic Maghrebian.
HABITAT. This Helophorus can be found in lotic or lentic habitats (Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, it was reported in the Rif and in various other scattered localities throughout the country (Chavanon et al., 2004; Benamar, 2015; Slimani et al., 2016).
Helophorus atlantis Angus & Aouad, 2009
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S19: 26-V-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Moroccan Endemic.
HABITAT. This species prefers stagnant waters especially in mountainous regions (Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, it is generally confined to a few mountainous localities in the Middle Atlas (Angus & Aouad, 2009; Benamar, 2015). Helophorus atlantis is newly recorded from Rif domain and from Martil basin during our study.
Family HYDROCHIDAE Thomson, 1859
Hydrochus aljibensis Castro & Delgado, 1999
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 7-II-2017 (2 A), 12-V-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Endemic Ibero-Maghrebian.
HABITAT. This species was found on the banks with vegetation in mid-mountain streams (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, it is dispersed mainly in the Occidental Rif and in few localities in the Atlas Mountains (Benamar, 2015; Slimani et al., 2016). It was only reported in (S1) during our study period in the Martil basin.
Hydrochus grandicollis Kiesenwetter in Heyden, 1870
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 26-VI-2016 (1 A), 19-VI-2017 (2 A).
CHOROTYPE. Atlanto-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Usually found in mid-mountain streams with good conservation status (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Quite rare in Morocco, the previous records of this element were from the Occidental Rif, the Anti-Atlas and the Eastern Middle Atlas (Bennas, 2002; Benamar et al., 2021a). Our collection in Oued Taida (S2) is the first record of this species in the Martil basin and the first recent citation in Morocco after the research conducted by Bennas (2002).
Family HYDROPHILIDAE Latreille, 1802
Anacaena bipustulata (Marsham, 1802)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 26-VI-2016 (1 A), 27-V-2017 (1 A); S3: 20-V-2016 (4 A), 04-I-2018 (7 A); S5: 11-III-2017 (1 A), 18-VI-2017 (1 A); S12: 04-I-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Anacaena bipustulata occupies a wide variety of habitats, headwaters, pools and ponds associated with river systems (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Widespread species in Morocco and has been recorded from several localities mainly in the northwest part (Chavanon et al., 2004; Slimani et al., 2016; Benamar et al., 2021b).
Anacaena globulus (Paykull, 1798)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 29-IV-2016 (1 A), 27-IV-2017 (1 A); S2: 13-III-2016 (2 A), 29-V-2016 (2 A); S6: 31-IV-2016 (1 A); S8: 29-V-2016 (6 A), 13-V-2018 (1 A); S9: 23-IV-2018 (3 A), 29-V-2016 (2 A).
CHOROTYPE. Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Although it prefers lotic systems, this species can appear in all permanent or semi-permanent water bodies that are not highly disturbed (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, it has a wide distribution covering the majority of the country’s mountainous areas, mostly the Rif domain (Bennas, 2002; Slimani et al., 2016; Mabrouki et al., 2018; Benamar et al., 2021b).
Anacaena lutescens (Stephens, 1829)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 20-VI-2016 (18 A), 15-VI-2017 (10 A); S2: 28-V-2017 (2 A); S4: 14-IV-2018 (2 A).
CHOROTYPE. Holarctic.
HABITAT. Although it seems to prefer lentic systems, it is also prevalent in river banks (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species appears in the northwestern side of Morocco and in scattered points in the northeast and the Middle Atlas (Bennas, 2002; Slimani et al., 2016; Mabrouki et al., 2018; Benamar et al., 2021b). It was found only at the upper reaches of Martil basin.
Berosus affinis Brullé, 1835
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S19: 18-V-2018 (2 A).
CHOROTYPE. Atlanto-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species occupies stagnant or low current waters of both temporary and permanent, soft or mineralized, but usually in shallow ponds (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Appeared to be common throughout the main geographical domains of Morocco (Bennas, 2002; Chavanon et al., 2004; Slimani et al., 2016; Mabrouki et al., 2018; Benamar et al., 2021b). Berosus affinis was found only in (S19) located in the downstream of Martil Basin.
Berosus hispanicus Küster, 1847
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S3: 14-XII-2015 (32 A), 13-III-2016 (2 A), 14-XII-2017 (25 A); S7: 20-V-2016 (1 A); S8: 19-XII-2015 (2 A); S12: 17-III-2016 (1 A), 14-XII-2017 (2 A); S16: 8-XII-2017 (1 A); S17: 18-XII-2015 (2 A); S18: 18-XII-2015 (21 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Palaearctic.
HABITAT. Berosus hispanicus occupies both lentic and lotic habitats, although it is always associated with areas of low current (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Common throughout the geographical domains of Morocco (Bennas, 2002; Chavanon et al., 2004; Slimani et al., 2016; Mabrouki et al., 2018; Benamar et al., 2021b). It was the most abundant species of Hydrophilidae in the Martil basin, which strengthen its presence in the western Rif.
Hemisphaera guignoti Schaefer, 1975
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 26-VI-2016 (1 A); S4: 18-VI-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species seems to prefer margins ponds in middle sections of rivers (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, this species was known from the Rif and a few disperse localities in the Anti-Atlas and the Eastern Middle Atlas (Bennas, 2002; Benamar et al., 2021b).
Enochrus bicolor (Fabricius, 1792)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 15-VI-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Palaearctic.
HABITAT. This species occupies mineralized waters, often associated to coastal areas (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species is found in several localities surrounding the country. Moreover it is associated mostly to coastal areas (Chavanon et al., 2004; Slimani et al., 2016; Mabrouki et al., 2018; Benamar et al., 2021b). It was only found in Oued Tkaraa (S1) at the scale of Martil basin.
Helochares lividus (Forster, 1771)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S12: 15-VI-2016 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Atlanto-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. H. lividus occupies both lentic and lotic habitats, although it is always associated with areas of low current (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Its range in Morocco is mostly wide, covering the majority of the country’s geographic areas, especially the northern half (Bennas, 2002; Chavanon et al., 2004; Slimani et al., 2016; Mabrouki et al., 2018; Benamar et al., 2021b). Collected only from (S12) in the downstream of Oued Khemis.
Helochares punctatus Sharp, 1869
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-III-2016 (18 A), 29-IV-2016 (5 A).
CHOROTYPE. Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species occupies oligotrophic pools, but also in peatlands (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco it was recorded from five localities in the Middle Atlas and the Rif (Bennas, 2002; Benamar et al., 2021b). Our captures at Oued Tkaraa (S1) constitute the first record of this species for Martil basin and Bouhachem Natural Park.
Laccobius (Dimorpholaccobius) atrocephalus atrocephalus Reitter, 1872
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 28-V-2017 (1 A); S8: 24-VI-2016 (1 A), 18-VI-2017 (1 A); S9: 24-VI-2016 (1 A), 18-VI-2017 (1 A); S13: 19-VI2016 (2 A), 11-VI-2017 (2 A), 16-V-2018 (1 A); S14: 28-V-2017 (1 A); S15: 13-V-2018 (1 A); S16: 16-VI-2016 (1 A), 13-VI-2017 (1 A); S19: 9-III-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Afrotropico-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species occupies pools and ponds associated with small streams with abundant vegetation (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This Laccobius was recorded from many scattered localities all over the country, mostly in the northwestern region (Bennas, 2002; Chavanon et al., 2004; Slimani et al., 2016; Mabrouki et al., 2018; Benamar et al., 2021b).
Laccobius (Dimorpholaccobius) neapolitanus Rottenberg, 1874
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S4: 8-XII-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species lives especially on the banks of the headwaters in the middle mountains (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, it appears mainly in its northern half mostly in the Rif Mountains and some localities from the Atlas mountain (Bennas, 2002; Chavanon et al., 2004; Benamar et al., 2021b).
Laccobius (Dimorpholaccobius) ytenensis Sharp, 1910
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S13: 17-III-2016 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Species of great ecological plasticity, being able to occupy the banks of both lotic and lentic habitats (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Moroccan hydrosystems, this species is frequently encountered in the Rif and the Atlas Mountains (Bennas, 2002; Chavanon et al., 2004; Mabrouki et al., 2018; Benamar et al., 2021b).
Family HYDRAENIDAE Mulsant, 1844
Hydraena allomorpha Fresneda & Lagar, 1991
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-III-2016 (2 A), 29-IV-2016 (2 A), 20-VI-2016 (2 A), 27-IV-2017 (1 A), 15-VI-2017 (6 A), 20-XI-2017 (1 A); S6: 12-XII-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Endemic Ibero-Maghrebian.
HABITAT. Typical of mid-mountain freshwater streams (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species mainly occupies the western and central Rif of Morocco (Bennas et al., 2001; Benamar, 2015; Slimani et al., 2016).
Hydraena bisulcata Rey, 1884
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 15-VI-2017 (3 A); S2: 29-V-2016 (1 A), 23-IV-2018 (2 A); S3: 20-V-2016 (1 A); S4: 24-V-2017 (1 A); S5: 13-III-2016 (1 A), 28-IV-2017 (1 A), 23-V-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Endemic Ibero-Maghrebian.
HABITAT. Typical of freshwater streams (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species is cited mostly from the northwest quadrant of Morocco, and from a few localities in central and southern areas of the country (Bennas et al., 2001; Benamar, 2015; Slimani et al., 2016).
Hydraena capta Orchymont, 1936
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 26-VI-2016 (1 A), 23-IV-2018 (2 A); S3: 18-V-2018 (2 A).
CHOROTYPE. Endemic Ibero-Maghrebian.
HABITAT. Typical of freshwater streams with a certain flow rate (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This Hydraena has a northern distribution in Morocco, and was mentioned in a few localities in the Atlas Mountains (Bennas et al., 2001; Benamar, 2015). Our finding significantly increases its range in the Occidental Rif and the Martil River basin.
Hydraena cordata Schaufuss, 1833
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 14-II-2018 (2 A); S3: 04-I-2018 (1 A); S6: 15-III-2016 (4 A), 26-VI-2016 (1 A), 11-V-2017 (2 A), 12-XII-2017 (2 A), 25-I-2018 (1 A); S8: 24-VI-2016 (3 A); S17: 18-XII-2015 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species prefers mainly mountain streams (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Known only from some isolated localities in the Occidental Rif and the Middle Atlas (Bennas et al., 2001; Benamar, 2015, Slimani et al., 2016). Our findings increases its distribution range in the Martil basin and the Rif region.
Hydraena rigua Orchymont, 1931
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-III-2016 (1 A), 29-IV-2016 (2 A), 20-VI-2016 (2 A); S2: 26-VI-2016 (1 A), 19-VI-2017 (1 A); S5: 8-XII-2017 (4 A); S6: 15-III-2016 (1 A), 31-IV-2016 (2 A), 16-VI-2017 (1 A); S7: 17-III-2016 (1 A), 27-V-2017 (5 A), 12-XII-2017 (3 A); S8: 18-VI-2017 (2 A); S9: 13-III-2016 (1 A), 16-V-2017 (2 A), 18-VI-2017 (1 A); S10: 22-VI-2016 (2 A), 15-XII-2017 (2 A); S11: 22-VI-2016 (1 A); S12: 17-III-2016 (2 A), 17-VI-2017 (1 A); S13: 17-III-2016 (2 A), 11-VI-2017 (1 A), 14-XII-2017 (2 A); S16: 31-IV-2016 (2 A).
CHOROTYPE. Endemic Maghrebian.
HABITAT. This species occupies running waters and it could have been captured in lentic habitats (Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Widely distributed in the Rif region including Martil basin, its presence has been detected also in some localities in the central and oriental Plateaux, and in the Atlas domains (Bennas et al., 2001; Chavanon et al., 2004; Benamar, 2015; Slimani et al., 2016; Chakour et al., 2017; Mabrouki et al., 2018).
Ochthebius difficilis Mulsant, 1844
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S11: 25-V-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Holo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Freshwater streams and rivers with limestone characteristic (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, it is scattered in a few localities through the majority of the country’s geographic domains (Bennas et al., 2001; Chavanon et al., 2004; Benamar, 2015; Mabrouki et al., 2018). Our finding in Oued Nakhla (S11) was the first recent citation of this species in the Rif region after the research conducted by Bennas et al. (2001), and expands its presence in the Martil basin.
Family ELMIDAE (Latreille, 1798)
Elmis maugetii velutina Reiche, 1879
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 11-III-2017 (2 A); S6: 11-XII-2015 (2 A), 31-IV-2016 (28 A), 26-VI-2016 (26 A), 11-V-2017 (3 A), 16-VI-2017 (26 A), 12-XII-2017 (6 A), 25-I-2018 (7 A), 25-I-2018 (6 A); S19: 26-V-2017 (2 A).
CHOROTYPE. Endemic Maghrebian.
HABITAT. Lotic freshwater systems (Benamar, 2015)
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species is known from Morocco in the Atlas areas, Oriental region and the Rif in the North of the country (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero 2007; Benamar, 2015; Taybi et al., 2017), where our catches in some scattered localities expand its distribution area in Martil basin.
Limnius intermedius Fairmaire, 1881
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S6: 25-I-2018 (2 A).
CHOROTYPE. Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Mainly in the middle courses of rivers, but also in headwaters (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco this Limnebius is recorded in the Rif, in the Middle and High Atlas and in the Oriental plateau (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero 2007; Chavanon et al., 2004; Benamar, 2015).
Limnius opacus opacus Müller, 1806
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S10: 27-I-2018 (2 A).
CHOROTYPE. Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. In lotic habitats, mainly on gravel and sand substrates, but also in mosses in a wide altitudinal range (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species is spread mainly in isolated areas from the northern, eastern regions to the Middle and High Atlas of Morocco (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero 2007; Chavanon et al., 2004; Benamar, 2015).
Oulimnius fuscipes (Reiche, 1879)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S7: 27-V-2017 (8 A).
CHOROTYPE. Endemic Ibero-Maghrebian.
HABITAT. This species appears in streams of headwaters, generally with great and strong current (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This Oulimnius is moderately frequent in the Atlas Mountains, northern and eastern part of Morocco (Chavanon et al., 2004; Benamar, 2015; Mabrouki et al., 2018). However, our catches in Oued Khemis (S7) will strengthen its presence in Martil basin and the Occidental Rif.
Oulimnius troglodytes (Gyllenhal, 1827)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 29-IV-2016 (1 A); S3: 15-VI-2016 (4 A), 8-III-2017 (80 A), 27-V-2017 (5 A), 11-XII-2017 (3 A), 04-I-2018 (13 A); S5: 24-VI-2016 (1 A), 18-II-2018 (2 A); S6: 26-VI-2016 (4 A), 16-VI-2017 (5 A), 25-I-2018 (4 A); S7: 20-V-2016 (2 A), 15-VI-2016 (1 A), 8-III-2017 (14 A), 14-XII-2017 (14 A); S8: 24-VI-2016 (1 A), 11-III-2017 (1 A), 18-VI-2017 (3 A), 15-XII-2017 (39 A), 04-I-2018 (30 A); S9: 15-XII-2017 (14 A), 18-II-2018 (4 A); S11: 02-II-2018 (1 A); S12: 17-III-2016 (2 A), 8-III-2017 (1 A), 27-V-2017 (1 A), 14-XII-2017 (8 A), 04-I-2018 (15 A); S13: 11-VI-2017 (1 A), 13-XII-2017 (33 A); S14: 8-XII-2017 (2 A), 04-I-2018 (21 A); S15: 3-VI-2016 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Atlanto-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Both in upstream, middle and downstream, but always in fresh, clean and well oxygenated waters (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, it is known only in Occidental Rif and in a three other sites in the eastern and southern sides of the country (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero 2007; Chavanon et al., 2004; Benamar, 2015; Mabrouki et al., 2018). Moreover, this element is the most abundant Elmidae species in the Martil basin, its presence has expanded its range in our region.
Riolus villosocostatus (Reiche, 1879)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S3: 15-VI-2016 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Endemic Maghrebian.
HABITAT. This species seems to prefer lenitic systems (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. It is fairly well-known species in various regions through Morocco (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero 2007; Benamar, 2015). It was reported only at Oued Tkaraa (S1) during this study.
Stenelmis consobrina consobrina Dufour, 1835
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S5: 27-I-2018 (3 A); S7: 27-I-2018 (2 A); S10: 27-I-2018 (9 A).
CHOROTYPE. Holo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species seems to prefer headwaters with thick substrate (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, it is confined to the northwestern, eastern sides and the Middle Atlas (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero 2007; Benamar, 2015; Slimani et al., 2016). Known from very scattered localities throughout Marti Basin.
Family DRYOPIDAE Billberg, 1820
Dryops algiricus (Lucas, 1849)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-III-2016 (1 A); S2: 26-VI-2016 (1 A), 28-V-2017 (3 A), 19-VI-2017 (1 A), 11-XII-2017 (2 A); S3: 15-VI-2016 (1 A), 27-V-2017 (3 A); S4: 14-IV-2018 (1 A), 8-XII-2017 (1 A), 14-IV-2018 (1 A); S5: 24-VI-2016 (1 A); S6: 11-V-2017 (1 A); S8: 18-VI-2017 (2 A); S9: 18-VI-2017 (1 A); S13: 19-VI2016 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Holo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. D. algiricus lives on the banks of a wide spectrum of habitats, although generally in shallow ponds or lagoons with abundant vegetation (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Widespread species in Morocco mainly in the Rif Mountains and some sites at the Oriental region, Atlas Mountains and near coastal areas (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero 2007; Benamar, 2015; Slimani et al., 2016). Our finding increases its distribution area in the Martil basin and the Occidental Rif.
Dryops gracilis (Karsch, 1881)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S3: 15-VI-2016 (1 A), 14-XII-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Afrotropico-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Appearing mainly on the banks of streams and medium and low sections of rivers (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This element is mostly reported in the northwest quadrant of Morocco, and some scattered localities at the Atlas Mountains and Oriental region (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero 2007; Benamar, 2015; Mabrouki et al., 2018). It was recorded only in the upstream of Oued Khemis (S3) during our study.
Dryops lutulentus (Erichson, 1847)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 27-IV-2017 (3 A); S3: 20-V-2016 (1 A), 8-III-2017 (1 A); S5: 28-IV-2017 (1 A); S7: 20-V-2016 (1 A); S8: 16-V-2017 (2 A).
CHOROTYPE. Turano-Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Typical species of streams with cold and well-oxygenated waters, where it can be found inhabiting the gravels and sands of the banks (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, this species is known only from the Occidental Rif and two isolated points in the High Atlas and Central Rif (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2007; Benamar, 2015). Our collection in various localities increases its distribution area in the Martil basin.
Dryops sulcipennis (Costa, 1883)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S6: 31-IV-2016 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Holo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. In lotic habitats, mainly in middle sections of rivers, where it appears in the quietest and backwater areas, between the sand of the banks (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, this species has a northern distribution, in where it has been captured also from scattered points in the Oriental half and Atlas Mountains (Chavanon et al., 2004; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero 2007; Benamar, 2015; Slimani et al., 2016; Mabrouki et al., 2018). In Martil basin, it is known from Oued Zarka (S6).
Pomatinus substriatus (Müller, 1806)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S6: 11-V-2017 (1 A), 16-VI-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Turano-Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Typical of medium-sized streams, with cold and well-oxygenated waters. It lives clinging to the lower part of stones and rocks (Millán et al., 2014; Benamar, 2015).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Moroccan records of this species are mostly restricted to the northwest quadrant and a few scattered points in the Atlas Mountains and in Oriental region (Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero 2007; Benamar, 2015; Mabrouki et al., 2018).
HEMIPTERA
Family GERRIDAE Leach, 1815
Aquarius cinereus (Puton, 1869)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 20-VI-2016 (1 A), 15-VI-2017 (1 A); S2: 29-V-2016 (7 A), 26-VI-2016 (7 A), 11-III-2017 (1 A), 28-V-2017 (6 A), 19-VI-2017 (1 A); S3: 15-VI-2016 (5 A); S4: 16-III-2016 (2 A), 22-VI-2016 (6 A), 24-V-2017 (4 A), 12-VI-2017 (5 A), 14-IV-2018 (3 A); S5: 4-IV-2016 (12 A), 24-VI-2016 (27 A), 18-VI-2017 (6 A), 18-II-2018 (2 A), 23-V-2018 (3 A); S6: 26-VI-2016 (4 A), 9-III-2017 (1 A), 16-VI-2017 (5 A), 12-XII-2017 (13 A), 18-V-2018 (5 A); S7: 20-V-2016 (5 A), 15-VI-2016 (20 A), 17-VI-2017 (2 A); S8: 29-V-2016 (16 A), 11-III-2017 (1 A), 16-V-2017 (3 A), 18-VI-2017 (8 A); S9: 13-III-2016 (2 A), 24-VI-2016 (2 A), 11-III-2017 (1 A), 16-V-2017 (5 A), 18-VI-2017 (6 A); S10: 22-VI-2016 (10 A), 16-V-217 (4 A), 12-VI-2017 (4 A); S11: 20-XII-2015 (50 A), 18-VI-2017 (1 A), 15-V-2018 (2 A); S13: 20-V-2016 (4 A), 19-VI2016 (10 A), 26-V-2017 (9 A); S14: 23-V-2016 (1 A), 19-III-2017 (2 A), 13-V-2018 (4 A); S15: 16-VI-2016 (4 A), 12-VI-2017 (3 A)
CHOROTYPE. W-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Surface-dwelling species which prefers running waters (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. The species is mentioned in Morocco in several localities in the north, in some limited sites in the eastern region and in the Atlas Mountains (Chavanon et al., 2004; L’Mohdi, 2016; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2018).
Aquarius najas (De Geer, 1773)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-III-2016 (2 A), 20-VI-2016 (3 A), 15-VI-2017 (1 A); S2: 13-III-2016 (3 A), 29-V-2016 (12 A), 26-VI-2016 (15 A), 11-III-2017 (2 A), 28-V-2017 (10 A), 19-VI-2017 (2 A), 18-II-2018 (1 A), 23-IV-2018 (1 A); S3: 15-VI-2016 (2 A); S4: 16-III-2016 (3 A), 22-VI-2016 (10 A), 24-V-2017 (13 A), 12-VI-2017 (7 A), 8-XII-2017 (6 A), 14-IV-2018 (2 A); S5: 19-XII-2015 (5 A), 4-IV-2016 (66 A), 24-VI-2016 (40 A), 11-III-2017 (5 A), 18-VI-2017 (20 A), 18-II-2018 (7 A), 23-V-2018 (3 A); S6: 31-IV-2016 (13 A), 26-VI-2016 (3 A), 9-III-2017 (1 A), 11-V-2017 (3 A), 16-VI-2017 (15 A), 12-XII-2017 (50 A), 25-I-2018 (15 A), 18-V-2018); S7: 20-V-2016 (7 A), 15-VI-2016 (70 A), 27-V-2017 (2 A), 17-VI-2017 (5 A); S8: 19-XII-2015 (2 A), 24-VI-2016 (8 A), 16-V-2017 (9 A), 18-VI-2017 (22 A), 13-V-2018 (2 A); S9: 29-V-2016 (110 A), 24-VI-2016 (5 A), 11-III-2017 (1 A), 16-V-2017 (8 A), 18-VI-2017 (10 A); S10: 22-VI-2016 (10 A), 16-V-2017 (6 A), 12-VI-2017 (13 A), 11-XII-2017 (3 A); S11: 20-XII-2015 (13 A); S12: 17-VI-2017 (3 A); S13: 20-V-2016 (7 A), 19-VI-2016 (15 A), 26-V-2017 (14 A), 11-VI-2017(11 A); S14: 23-V-2016 (5 A); S15: 16-VI-2016 (4 A), 12-VI-2017 (6 A).
CHOROTYPE. Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. A surface-dwelling species with a wide altitudinal gradient that can tolerate disturbed habitats (Millán et al., 1988; L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Generally present in the western Rif but moderately frequent in the Atlas Mountains and eastern part of Morocco (L’Mohdi, 2016; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2018). It is the most common Gerridae taxa in the Martil basin.
Gerris brasili (Poisson, 1941)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 19-VI-2017 (3 A); S3: 15-VI-2016 (3 A), 27-V-2017 (1 A); S14: 19-III-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Endemic Ibero-Maghrebian.
HABITAT. Eurytopic and surface-dwelling species in lotic and lentic habitats (Millán et al., 1988; L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Widespread in Morocco, where it is distributed in the Rif, the Middle Atlas and Anti-Atlas and in the eastern part of the country (L’Mohdi, 2016; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2018). This species was reported for the first time in the Martil watershed.
Gerris gibbifer Schummel, 1832
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 20-VI-2016 (5 A), 27-IV-2017 (4 A), 12-V-2018 (2 A); S3: 27-V-2017 (1 A); S9: 16-V-2017 (1 A); S13: 19-VI2016 (1 A); S14: 23-V-2016 (2 A); S18: 4-VI-2016 (1 A); S19: 4-VI-2016 (2 A).
CHOROTYPE. Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Surface-dwelling species able to occupy temporary and permanent stagnant habitats in the mountain areas (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Species with a northwestern range in Morocco and has been recorded from scattered sites in the Atlas Mountains, in the central and eastern part of the country (Chavanon et al., 2004; L’Mohdi, 2016; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2018). Our finding extends its distribution to the western Rif.
Gerris thoracicus Schummel, 1832
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S3: 17-VI-2017 (1 A); S7: 27-V-2017 (2 A); S9: 24-VI-2016 (2 A), 16-V-2017 (2 A); S12: 20-V-2016 (2 A), 19-VI2016 (1 A), 27-V-2017 (2 A), 17-VI-2017 (1 A); S13: 16-V-2018 (4 A); S14: 22-VI-2016 (1 A); S15: 28-V-2017 (2 A), 12-VI-2017 (1 A); S18: 4-VI-2016 (7 A); S19: 4-VI-2016 (2 A).
CHOROTYPE. Subcosmopolitan.
HABITAT. Surface-dwelling species of rivers, pools and ponds, it can also tolerate brackish habitats and arid areas (Millán et al., 1988; L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species of Gerris is the most abundant and common in Morocco, where it has been recorded in several localities in the north, from the plains to the high mountain areas in the central and southern part of the country (Chavanon et al., 2004; L’Mohdi, 2016; Slimani et al., 2016). Our records have significantly expanded its range in the Martil basin and the western Rif.
Family HEBRIDAE Amyot & Serville, 1843
Hebrus pusillus (Fallén, 1807)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 12-XI-2015 (1 A), 27-IV-2017 (1 A); S2: 26-VI-2016 (1 A); S7: 20-V-2016 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Palaearctic.
HABITAT. Typical of stagnant or slow-flowing waters, it is most often found on the banks of aquatic habitats (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species has a scattered distribution in several localities throughout the country (Chavanon et al., 2004; L’Mohdi, 2016). It was captured for the first time in Martil basin during our research.
Family HYDROMETRIDAE Billberg, 1820
Hydrometra stagnorum (Linnaeus, 1758)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 13-III-2016 (3 A), 11-III-2017 (2 A), 28-V-2017 (9 A), 19-VI-2017 (7 A), 23-IV-2018 (1 A); S3: 27-V-2017 (3 A), 16-V-2018 (2 A); S4: 16-III-2016 (6 A), 14-IV-2018 (4 A); S5: 24-VI-2016 (1 A), 11-III-2017 (1 A), 23-V-2018 (2 A); S7: 17-III-2016 (1 A), 20-V-2016 (1 A), 27-V-2017 (1 A), 16-V-2018 (1 A); S9: 18-VI-2017 (1 A); S10: 22-VI-2016 (10 A), 14-V-2018 (1 A); S12: 20-V-2016 (2 A), 8-III-2017 (2 A); S15: 28-V-2017 (1 A), 13-V-2018 (2 A); S16: 13-VI-2017 (1 A); S17: 26-V-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Centralasiatic-European-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Eurytopic species that inhabits the edges of vegetated banks and moves along the surface of slow moving water (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Common species recorded from several localities in Morocco (Chavanon et al., 2004; L’Mohdi, 2016; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2018). It was reported from various sites throughout the Martil basin.
Family MESOVELIIDAE Douglas & Scott, 1867
Mesovelia vittigera Horváth, 1895
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S19: 9-III-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Subcosmopolitan.
HABITAT. A common species with a wide ecological range, living in both fresh and brackish water, in temporary and permanent running water, as well as in stagnant water (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Recorded from scattered points in mountainous regions, lowlands and near coastal areas throughout Morocco (L’Mohdi, 2016; Taybi et al., 2018). Our finding in the lower course of the Oued Martil (S19) extends its range into the Martil basin and the western Rif.
Family VELIIDAE Brullé, 1836
Velia ioannis Tamanini, 1971
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 29-IV-2016 (6 A), 20-VI-2016 (72 A), 7-II-2017 (1 A), 27-IV-2017 (32 A), 20-XI-2017 (8 A), 14-II-2018 (9 A), 12-V-2018 (12 A); S2: 19-XII-2015 (10 A), 13-III-2016 (4 A), 26-VI-2016 (3 A), 11-III-2017 (6 A), 28-V-2017 (10 A), 19-VI-2017 (2 A), 18-II-2018 (2 A), 23-IV-2018 (13 A); S3: 17-III-2016 (1 A); S4: 14-IV-2018 (1 A); S6: 12-XII-2017 (1 A); S10: 22-VI-2016 (3 A); S15: 13-V-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Endemic Maghrebian.
HABITAT. Commonly found at the edge of riparian vegetation in stagnant, fresh and brackish water (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, it seems to have a wide distribution, where it has been found in the Western Rif, the High Atlas and the Eastern region (Chavanon et al., 2004; L’Mohdi, 2016; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2018).
Velia noualhieri Puton, 1889
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 23-IV-2018 (4 A); S4: 14-IV-2018 (1 A); S7: 14-XII-2015 (1 A), 8-III-2017 (1 A), 16-V-2018 (2 A); S12: 14-XII-2017 (2 A).
CHOROTYPE. Endemic Ibero-Maghrebian.
HABITAT. Frequently found in shady, well-preserved streams with dense riparian vegetation (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Relatively rare in Morocco which previous records of this species are limited to the Rif region and a few sites in the Atlas and eastern region (L’Mohdi, 2016; Taybi et al., 2018). Our captures of this species in several localities extend its range in the Martil basin.
Family CORIXIDAE Leach, 1815
Corixa affinis Leach, 1817
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 27-IV-2017 (4 A), 26-V-2017 (2 A); S3: 17-III-2016 (5 A); S17: 21-V-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Palaearctic.
HABITAT. This species has been found in relatively deep waters with abundant macrophytes vegetation (Millán et al., 1988).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. It may be quite rare in Morocco, found only in some scattered points from the northern, eastern regions, Atlas Mountains and Atlantic coastal areas (Chavanon et al., 2004; L’Mohdi, 2016; Taybi et al., 2018), and a few localities of Martil basin.
Micronecta scholtzi (Fieber, 1860)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 28-V-2017 (5 A); S7: 17-VI-2017 (2 A); S11: 22-VI-2016 (2 A); S12: 8-III-2017 (1 A), 27-V-2017 (1 A), 17-VI-2017 (1 A); S13: 11-VI-2017 (1 A); S14: 13-XII-2015 (9 A), 23-V-2016 (7 A), 22-VI-2016 (6 A), 28-V-2017 (6 A), 12-VI-2017 (6 A); S15: 3-III-2016 (12 A), 3-VI-2016 (7 A), 16-VI-2016 (21 A), 8-III-2017 (6 A), 28-V-2017 (16 A), 12-VI-2017 (35); S16: 18-XII-2015 (20 A), 3-VI-2016 (12 A), 16-VI-2016 (69 A), 28-V-2017 (6 A), 13-VI-2017 (3 A); S17: 4-VI-2016 (8 A), 19-VI-2016 (21 A), 26-V-2017 (17 A), 16-V-2017 (15 A); S18: 18-XII-2015 (23 A), 4-VI-2016 (20 A), 26-V-2017 (4 A); S19: 18-XII-2015 (2 A), 19-VI-2016 (58 A).
CHOROTYPE. Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species can occupy the banks of lotic as well as lentic habitats with sandy or stony substrates (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Common species throughout the northern half of Morocco (Chavanon et al., 2004; L’Mohdi, 2016; Taybi et al., 2018). Our captures in many localities in the Martil Basin support the distribution of this species in the Western Rif.
Parasigara rivularis Baena, 1997
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 15-VI-2017 (8 A); S2: 19-XII-2015 (2 A), 28-V-2017 (2 A), 19-VI-2017 (9 A), 11-XII-2017 (1 A); S3: 14-XII-2015 (19 A), 17-III-2016 (17 A), 20-V-2016 (5 A), 15-VI-2016 (20 A), 8-III-2017 (1 A), 27-V-2017 (4 A), 17-VI-2017 (20 A), 14-XII-2017 (6 A); S5: 19-XII-2015 (5 A), 28-IV-2017 (5 A), 18-VI-2017 (2 A), 15-XII-2017 (1 A); S6: 26-VI-2016 (5 A), 16-VI-2017 (6 A), 18-V-2018 (1 A); S7: 27-V-2017 (4 A); S8: 19-XII-2015 (25 A), 29-V-2016 (8 A), 18-VI-2017 (1 A); S9: 18-VI-2017 (1 A); S10: 16-V-2017 (2 A); S12: 16-V-2018 (3 A).
CHOROTYPE. Endemic Ibero-Maghrebian.
HABITAT. Typical of running waters flowing over a substrate with a moderate granulometry, consisting mainly of gravel, pebbles and boulders (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Endemic to Morocco and Spain. This species is only known from isolated localities in the western and central Rif and in the High Atlas. Our captures in the Martil basin constitute the first known northernmost citation for this species in Morocco.
Parasigara transversa (Fieber, 1848)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-III-2016 (8 A), 29-IV-2016 (2 A), 20-VI-2016 (1 A), 15-VI-2017 (2 A); S2: 19-XII-2015 (28 A), 26-VI-2016 (17 A), 19-VI-2017 (2 A); S3: 14-XII-2015 (30 A), 17-III-2016 (10 A), 15-VI-2016 (11 A), 17-VI-2017 (17 A), 16-V-2018 (4 A); S4: 12-VI-2017 (1 A); S5: 24-VI-2016 (2 A); S6: 26-VI-2016 (2 A); S7: 20-V-2016 (1 A), 8-III-2017 (1 A), 14-XII-2017 (2 A), 04-I-2018 (1 A); S8: 13-III-2016 (1 A), 29-V-2016 (4 A), 13-V-2018 (8 A); S9: 19-XII-2015 (4 A), 13-III-2016 (1 A); S10: 22-VI-2016 (3 A); S12: 15-VI-2016 (3 A).
CHOROTYPE. Endemic Ibero-Maghrebian.
HABITAT. Prefers lotic waters with aquatic plants but it can be also found in lentic waters (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species has been found in the Rif region and in a few scattered sites from some lowlands of the Central Plateau and also in the Atlas Mountains (L’Mohdi, 2016; Slimani et al., 2016). Its capture in several localities in the Martil basin supports its wide distribution in the western Rif.
Sigara lateralis (Leach, 1817)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S6: 31-IV-2016 (8 A); S7: 14-XII-2015 (36 A); S12: 20-V-2016 (12 A); S13: 20-V-2016 (1 A); S14: 23-V-2016 (6 A); S15: 3-VI-2016 (5 A); S16: 18-XII-2015 (30 A); S17: 18-XII-2015 (64 A), 3-III-2016 (1 A); S18: 18-XII-2015 (20 A), 3-III-2016 (2 A), 4-VI-2016 (5 A); S19: 18-XII-2015 (10 A), 4-VI-2016 (8 A); S20: 19-VI-2016 (1 A), 13-V-2017 (5 A), 21-V-2018 (12 A).
CHOROTYPE. Subcosmopolitan.
HABITAT. Species of great ecological plasticity, it appears in various types of habitats, freshwater, brackish of plains or mountains (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Sigara lateralis is considered the most frequently encountered species of Sigara in Morocco, where it inhabits the majority of its biogeographical areas (Chavanon et al., 2004; L’Mohdi, 2016; Taybi et al., 2018). Our records significantly increased the range of this species in the Northern Morocco.
Trichocorixa verticalis verticalis (Fieber, 1851)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S6: 11-V-2017 (3 A); S19: 19-XII-2015 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Subcosmopolitan.
HABITAT. Prefers saline or brackish water and is generally found in lowland streams and coastal hydrosystems (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Exotic species, native to the Atlantic coast of the Nearctic. The first citation of this element for Morocco was given from some sites on the northern Atlantic and Mediterranean coast by L’Mohdi. et al. (2010). However, this invasive species was recently quoted along the eastern Mediterranean coast of Morocco (Taybi et al., 2018, 2020). Our finding of this species at Oued Zarka (S6) and Coelma (S19) supports its distribution in the Martil basin and the western Rif.
Family NAUCORIDAE Leach, 1815
Naucoris maculatus Fabricius, 1798
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-III-2016 (1 A), 12-V-2018 (1 A); S12: 20-V-2016 (1 A), 15-VI-2016 (5 A); S18: 18-XII-2015 (4 A).
CHOROTYPE. Atlanto-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species is found in lotic or lentic aquatic ecosystems and appears to be more dependent on vegetated aquatic habitats (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, in addition to the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, it is mentioned also in the Rif, Atlas Mountains and eastern region (Chavanon et al., 2004; L’Mohdi, 2016; Taybi et al., 2018). Our results enable to extend its distribution to the western Rif.
Family NEPIDAE Latreille, 1802
Nepa cinerea (Linnaeus, 1758)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 20-VI-2016 (3 A), 27-IV-2017 (3 A), 15-VI-2017 (1 A), 12-V-2018 (8 A); S2: 28-V-2017 (4 A), 23-IV-2018 (8 A); S3: 27-V-2017 (1 A); S5: 28-IV-2017 (1 A); S15: 13-V-2018 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Palaearctic.
HABITAT. Adapted to different types of habitats such as puddles, swamps and freshwater with a high altitudinal gradient (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species covers the major biogeographical domains of Morocco (Chavanon et al., 2004; L’Mohdi, 2016; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2018).
Family NOTONECTIDAE Latreille, 1802
Anisops sardeus Henrrich-Schaeffer, 1849
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S3: 17-III-2016 (2 A), 20-V-2016 (4 A), 17-VI-2017 (3 A); S11: 25-V-2017 (1 A), 15-V-2018 (26 A); S12: 16-V-2018 (3 A); S15: 28-V-2017 (1 A), 13-V-2018 (2 A); S16: 18-XII-2015 (3 A), 3-VI-2016 (1 A), 16-VI-2016 (3 A), 8-XII-2017 (1 A), 06-I-2018 (2 A); S17: 21-V-2018 (1 A); S18: 18-XII-2015 (8 A), 19-VI2016 (61 A), 19-XI-2017 (1 A); S19: 18-XII-2015 (9 A), 4-VI-2016 (3 A), 19-VI2016 (92 A), 26-V-2017 (37 A), 18-V-2018 (6 A).
CHOROTYPE. Subcosmopolitan.
HABITAT. Eurytopic species that prefers the slow currents of rivers but can also tolerate brackish habitats (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Anisops sardeus is reported in different geographic domains of the country from coastal regions, lowlands to high mountain areas (L’Mohdi, 2016), and recently at the Moulouya watershed in eastern side (Taybi et al., 2018). Our catches in different sites in the downstream part of the basin allow to extend its range in the western Rif.
Notonecta glauca glauca Linnaeus, 1758
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S3: 15-VI-2016 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. W-Palaearctic.
HABITAT. Ubiquitous species, it can be found in lotic or lentic freshwater systems (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Quite rare in Morocco, the previous records of this species occured in a few sites in the Rif and Middle Atlas (L’Mohdi, 2016; Slimani et al., 2016). Recently, it was recorded from the Moulouya watershed in the eastern region (Taybi et al., 2018). Our capture of this species in Oued Khemis (S3) was the first record in the Martil basin.
Notonecta maculata Fabricius, 1794
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 12-XI-2015 (4 A), 18-III-2016 (3 A), 29-IV-2016 (4 A), 7-II-2017 (2 A), 27-IV-2017 (4 A), 15-VI-2017 (10 A), 20-XI-2017 (1 A), 14-II-2018 (3 A), 12-V-2018 (3 A); S2: 19-XII-2015 (8 A), 13-III-2016 (1 A), 29-V-2016 (8 A), 28-V-2017 (24 A), 19-VI-2017 (19 A), 23-IV-2018 (4 A); S3: 17-III-2016 (4 A), 20-V-2016 (12 A), 27-V-2017 (9 A), 17-VI-2017 (10 A), 14-XII-2017 (1 A), 04-I-2018 (1 A), 16-V-2018 (8 A); S4: 27-V-2016 (1 A), 24-V-2017 (16 A); S5: 4-IV-2016 (19 A), 11-III-2017 (3 A), 18-VI-2017 (5 A), 23-V-2018 (10 A); S6: 31-IV-2016 (15 A), 16-VI-2017 (3 A), 18-V-2018 (24 A); S7: 27-V-2017 (4 A), 17-VI-2017 (4 A); S8: 13-III-2016 (1 A), 29-V-2016 (35), 11-III-2017 (1 A), 16-V-2017 (9 A), 18-VI-2017 (5 A), 13-V-2018 (27 A); S9: 16-V-2017 (4 A), 18-VI-2017 (3 A), 23-IV-2018 (6 A); S11: 15-V-2018 (5 A); S12: 27-V-2017 (7 A), 16-V-2018 (2 A); S14: 28-V-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Atlanto-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Widespread and resistant to pollutants, it is able to colonise different types of permanent and temporary (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. In Morocco, this species is the most abundant and frequent Notonectidae, especially in the north part of the country (L’Mohdi, 2016; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2018).
Notonecta meridionalis Poisson, 1926
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 12-XI-2015 (2 A), 29-IV-2016 (2 A), 20-VI-2016 (8 A), 27-IV-2017 (2 A), 15-VI-2017 (11 A).
CHOROTYPE. Turano-Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species is qualified as migratory species; it can be found in lotic or lentic freshwater systems (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Distributed in several localities in the coastal regions, plains and mountains in the northern half of Morocco (Chavanon et al., 2004; L’Mohdi, 2016; Slimani et al., 2016; Taybi et al., 2018).
Notonecta obliqua Thunberg, 1787
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S2: 28-V-2017 (2 A), 19-VI-2017 (16 A).
CHOROTYPE. Turano-Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. This species inhabits mainly lentic and slightly brackish, temporary and permanent aquatic habitats at high and medium altitudes (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. Very rare species in Morocco, encountered in some limited areas in the Rif, Atlas Mountains and central coastal lowlands (L’Mohdi, 2016; Slimani et al., 2016). Our samples at Oued Taida (S2) constitute the first record for the Martil basin.
Family PLEIDAE Fieber, 1851
Plea minutissima (Leach, 1818)
MATERIAL EXAMINED. S1: 18-III-2016 (3 A); S12: 20-V-2016 (1 A); S18: 18-XII-2015 (2 A), 19-VI2016 (2 A); S19: 18-XII-2015 (10 A), 19-VI2016 (3 A), 26-V-2017 (1 A).
CHOROTYPE. Centralasiatic-Europeo-Mediterranean.
HABITAT. Typical of fresh and brackish waters, usually stagnant with riparian vegetation (L’Mohdi, 2016).
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION. This species is common in Morocco; it has been captured in various geographical areas of the country (Chavanon et al., 2004; L’Mohdi, 2016; Taybi et al., 2018). Our catches in the Martil basin have extended its distribution area to the north of the country.
DiscussionTop
The considerable temporal environmental fluctuations in the Martil basin, such as seasonality and flow regime, cause changes on benthic fauna composition and structure, leading to variations in aquatic species assemblages, following what was observed in other Mediterranean regions (Tonkin et al., 2017).
In the Martil basin, OCH richness (102 species) is lower than that recorded in the Laou basin (930 km2, 141 species) (Bennas et al., 2009), and greater than that captured in Upper Loukkos (1370 km2, 80 species) (Slimani, 2018). Indeed, specific richness was higher in permanent streams showing a certain degree of stability compared to intermittent ones mostly during summer. This result is similar to what is known in other regions of Mediterranean areas (Bêche et al., 2006; Bonada et al., 2007; García-Roger et al., 2011; Giam et al., 2017), except for downstream perennial stations which were influenced by the concentration of pollutants, anthropogenic disturbances and Martil River rehabilitation project. These factors affect the ecological status of the aforementioned aquatic ecosystems creating as a result favorable conditions for the establishment of alien species such as Trichocorixa verticalis verticalis, which was dispersed recently in our study area and expanded its distribution range in the northern and eastern regions of the country (L’Mohdi et al., 2010; Taybi et al., 2020).
Furthermore, species richness is significantly related to the large variation in seasonal flow intermittency hydrosystems (Bêche et al., 2006), in which some species have been successfully adapted to the strong seasonal fluctuations of the Mediterranean watercourses, and have certainly developed strategies to face or escape drought stress, mainly those occupying intermittent streams (Cid et al., 2017). However, many species in our case such as Aulonogyrus striatus, Aquarius cinereus, Aquarius najas, Velia ioannis, Parasigara rivularis and Sigara lateralis were recorded regularly over all seasons in the study area.
Concomitantly, periods of low flow could lead to the loss of habitats with high flows and thus increase a patchy mosaic of pools that impose new environmental filters for aquatic communities providing refuge for typical pool species as drought occurs, thus allowing species with high adaptive and/or dispersal capacity to persist in periods of drought (García-Roger et al., 2011; Cid et al., 2017). Significant differences are observed between localities according to their hydrological features. Nonetheless, forty species seem to be common in all stream types, fifty-one were presented in only perennial streams, whereas eleven species were associated only with the intermittent and/or ephemeral sections of the Martil basin.
In contrast, the rewetting periods and the increase in flow during rainy periods has a significant influence on sediment load and streambed structure of the river, imposing new constraints and challenges for lentic species and, conversely, promoting the re-colonization of riffle ones, which are relatively adapted to high flows or/and low temperature (Cid et al., 2017). However, many species in our case such as Lestes viridis, Gyrinus caspius, Noterus laevis, Graptodytes ignotus, Nebrioporus clarkii, Hydraena bisulcata, Hydraena cordata, Dryops algiricus, Hebrus pusillus, Nepa cinerea and Plea minutissima in which they appear within the wet and dry periods in perennial sites and only during wet periods at the intermittent and/or ephemeral sites.
The most interesting faunitic findings consist in the first citation for the whole Rif region of Helophorus atlantis, the first record at the Occidental Rif and the second one at the scale of Morocco of Hydroporus memnonius signalled by Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero (2006) and Hydroporus rifensis, the new endemic species recently described from Central Rif mountains by Manuel (2014) at the same region. In addition, many species, like Zygonyx torridus, Peltodytes caesus, Agabus conspersus, Deronectes theryi, Hydrochus grandicollis, Helochares punctatus, Gerris brasili, Hebrus pusillus, Parasigara rivularis and Notonecta obliqua were newly mentioned for the Martil River Basin.
The analysis of the aquatic OCH species composition of the Martil basin, based on the chorological categories assigned to each taxon, shows that they consist essentially of Mediterranean species (52 %), followed by Palaearctic elements (31 %), and lastly, the elements with wide distribution (17 %). Within the Mediterranean elements, the W-Mediterranean, Atlanto-Mediterranean and Holo-Mediterranean chorotypes show 31%, 18 % and 16 % respectively.
In terms of endemism, the Mediterranean endemic species in the broadest sense showed a clear dominance of the Ibero-Maghrebian elements (53 %), followed by the Maghrebain ones (31 %) and 16 % for the Moroccan chorotype. Indeed, Deronectes theryi, Hydroporus rifensis and Helophorus atlantis are strictly Moroccan endemic species, where one of them is endemic only to the Rif region. The dominance of Ibero-Maghrebian chorotype has also been reported in other researches on OCH species studied in the Rif region (Bennas et al., 2001; Bennas & Sáinz-Cantero, 2006, 2007; El Haissoufi et al., 2008; L’Mohdi et al., 2008; Benamar et al., 2011; Slimani et al., 2016), whereas in Eastern Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, the Maghrebian Chorotype was the most dominant (Touaylia et al., 2011; Taybi et al., 2017, 2019; Touaylia, 2017; Bennas et al., 2018; Lamine et al., 2019) (Fig. 4).
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Fig. 4.— Principales categorías corológicas de las especies de OCH en la Cuenca del río Martil. Abreviaturas: A-Med: Atlanto-Mediterránea; E-B-S: Endémica en el sentido amplio; H-Med: Holo-Mediterránea; Ib-Mag: Ibero-Magrebí; Mag: Magrebí; Med: Mediterránea; Mo: Marroquí; Pal: Paleártica; W-D: Amplia distribución; W-Med: W-Mediterránea. |
This situation is explained by the paleogeographic events having marked the history of the Mediterranean region through the Betic-Riffean massif, which functioned as a land bridge permitting faunal exchanges between these two neighboring zones (Lavergne et al., 2012; Touaylia, 2017) and the geographical position of Martil watershed within the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean, which also includes the northern part of the Bouhachem Natural Park, this clearly proves that our study area has been recognized as an area of high biodiversity and endemicity.
As well as the fact that the north of Morocco is a very important transition zone between Africa and Europe where species of several origin meet, its high level of landscape mosaic clearly proves the unique character of this region as an important biodiversity area in the Mediterranean region, which is inhabited by various endemic species (Jaskula, 2015).
Therefore, identifying vulnerable species and degraded habitats along with must be taken into account to adequately protect aquatic biodiversity considering the rate of species extinction associated with high degree of anthropogenic pressures and levels of drought in the Rif region (Bennas et al., 2007, 2008, 2009).
Hence, because of the narrow-range and strict ecological requirements of some endemic species, evaluating the impact of climate warming and rapid changes in land use on biodiversity presents major challenges to conservation biology, forcing us to provide the necessary tools to preserve this Moroccan natural heritage (Sánchez-Fernández et al., 2008; Heller & Zavaleta, 2009; Arribas et al., 2015).