DISTRIBUTION AND ASSOCIATIONS OF THE AQUATIC HETEROPTERA OF THE BALEARIC-ISLANDS (SPAIN)

Twenty-five species of aquatic Heteroptera were collected from the Bal earic Islands. Five are first records (Sigara nigrolineata, Micronecra scholtzi, Ranatra linearis, Notonecta meridionalis and Hebrus pusillu s). Previous records are also discussed. The spatial structure of the communities on the Islands is analysed. The different abundance of spe cies and their characteristic habitats are identified. The species ass ociations for each island are established through factorial analysis ( correspondence analysis); a total of 8 associations are defined. They represent permanent habitats, with the exception of one, characteristi c of seasonal ponds of Mallorca. Within the permanent lentic habitats, a clear difference occurs between artificial habitats ('albercas': st one or cemented man-made irrigation ponds) and natural pond habitats.