Abstract

Macroinvertebrates are an important component of stream ecosystems and are a link in the transfer of material and energy from producers to top level consumers and also act as excellent bioindicators of stream health. This review discusses some of the factors whichregulate the occurrence and distribution of stream macroinvertebrates namely water current, temperature, substrate, drainage basin land use/land cover, vegetation, pH of water, drought, flood, food, shade and stream geomorphology.

Key words: Macroinvertebrates, bioindicator, current speed, substratum, temperature, vegetation, flood.