Can the substrate influence the distribution and composition of benthic macroinvertebrates in streams in northeastern Brazil?

We sampled different substrates (sand, gravel, leaf litter and stones) in the rainy and dry season to study the distribution and composition of benthic macroinvertebrates in tropical streams (northeastern Brazil). Benthic macroinvertebrates were distributed according to the substrates, with stones showing a higher richness and abundance of species and abundance of collector-gatherers and filter-collectors. The results of the PCoA showed a separation of stones from the other substrates and similarities between sand and gravel.