COMPARISON OF SAMPLING METHODS FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION OF AQUATIC HYPHOMYCETES BIODIVERSITY IN THE CUPIRA RIVER, CARABOBO, VENEZUELA

Different sampling methods were evaluated for a monthly characterization of aquatic hyphomycetes biodiversity in the Cupira river (La Cumaca sector San Diego municipality, Carabobo state, Venezuela). Species were identified in natural foam samples (white or yellow), artificial foam and by incubation of randomly collected leaves. Diversity varied with the sampling method, the greater number of species being found in natural foam, with 41 species reported from white natural foam and 30 from yellow natural foam. In artificial foam, 19 species were reported, and in incubated leaves, 12 species. The most abundant and common species in all the sampling methods were: Alatospora acuminata, Anguillospora longissima, Campylospora sp., Clavatospora tentacula, Flagellospora curvula, Heliscus submersus, Lunulospora cymbiformis and Triscelophorus monosporus.