Biological diversity of Arthropoda in four sites of Euphrates River in Najaf city (Shatt al-Kufa)

Aquatic mcroinvertebrates are important members of freshwater ecosystems and most of them are arthropods. This study aimed to study the arthropod diversity in Shatt Al-Kufa. Samples were collected monthly from four sites in Euphrates River in Najaf city (Shatt al-Kufa) from March 2020 to April 2021. Based on results, 10 mcroinvertebrates taxa were found. Arthropoda were at their highest densities in spring, with Chironomus being a dominant species. In spring, the Shanon-Weiner diversity and Species Richness indices were recorded higher. Based on the results, the Shatt al-Kufa was moderately diverse in spring. There were significant differences between seasons and study sites in terms of the density and diversity of aquatic insects.