A note on the macrofauna of a temporary rainpool in semi-arid Western Australia

Abstract

The chemistry and macrofauna of a temporary rainpool on soft substrata near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, are described. The ionic composition of the water was dominated by sodium and chloride and salinity was relatively high (5324 ppm). The fauna was depauperate and many faunal groups typical of fresh water were not recorded. Several groups often found in temporary localities were also not recorded, including chironomids. Insects (Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Diptera) dominated the fauna. Also present was a species of frog (larvae) and various crustaceans.