The abundance of Hypolobocera bouvieri (Decapoda: Pseudothelphusidae) and its relationship with physicochemical conditions in three mountain micro-basins

Mountain crabs (Decapoda: Pseudothelphusidae) are considered sensitive to various anthropogenic and environmental alterations in aquatic ecosystems. In streams of the Colombian Andean region, which drain various agroecosystems, there is little information on these organisms. Here we show the results of the abundance of Hypolobocera bouvieri, in three high Andean microcatchments of Villamaria, southwestern region of the department of Caldas, in Colombia, and its relationship with physicochemical variables. The material deposited in the Entomological Collection of the Biology Program of the University of Caldas (Manizales, Colombia) was reviewed. Dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, and iron concentration were negatively correlated with the abundance of H. bouvieri, while the type of substrate showed a positive correlation. Our results contribute to the knowledge of freshwater crabs in high Andean streams with high agricultural activity (vegetable cultivation) and provide new information on the ecology of this species.