MINI-REVIEW Biodiversity patterns in a macroinvertebrate community of a temporary pond network

Abstract. 1. Macroinvertebrate assemblages of temporary ponds are ideal model systems to explore biodiversity patterns and metacommunity ecology. In addition, the study of the environmental variables driving such biodiversity patterns is essential in establishing proper guidelines for the conservation of the singular fauna of temporary ponds, especially since such ponds are vulnerable systems. 2. We analysed the macroinvertebrate assemblages and environmental characteristics of 80 ponds spread across the Do~nana National Park, SW Spain to (i) analyse macroinvertebrate b-diversity and metacommunity structure; and (ii) discern the main environmental and spatial drivers of these patterns. 3. The pond network was highly heterogeneous as temporary ponds were highly variable. Macroinvertebrate b-diversity partitioning showed that species replacement made the greatest contribution to total b-diversity while the contri-bution of nestedness was small. The macroinvertebrate community structure and b-diversity were similarly driven by: electrical conductivity (and co-variables alkalinity, pH, and ion concentrations), plant richness (and the co-variabl