Paddy fields provide important habitats for biodiversity conservation within the agricultural ecosystem. Their importance is gradually increasing as their ecological value is better understood. Benthic macroinvertebrates dominate paddy fields. They play an essential role in maintaining the biodiversity of paddy ecosystems. This study aimed to analyze characteristics of benthic macroinvertebrate communities and main environmental factors affecting the distribution of golden apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata). Results showed that the diversity index (H ′) of the benthic macroinvertebrate community was the highest at the Sangju site (St. 12) but the lowest at the Sancheong site (St. 18). Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), salinity, and Electrical Conductivity (EC) values were the highest in Gimhae and Yeongam based on Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Numbers of P. canaliculata (m-2) were relatively low in Gunsan and Iksan where water temperatures were high. Therefore, changes in geographical characteristics and environmental factors might affect the distribution of P. canaliculata and characteristics of benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Results of this study can be used as primary data for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service evaluation in agroecosystems.

Ecological occupation in irrigation ponds is a well-acknowledged fact that is essential for biodiversity conservation in agricultural ecosystems. However, there are few studies on the ecological functions and relationship between a paddy field and irrigation using macroinvertebrates in an environmentally friendly paddy field. The objective of this study is to identify the community and distribution characteristics of macroinvertebrates in an agricultural paddy field and irrigation pond ecosystems, and to provide basic data on the ecological function of an environmentally friendly paddy field. Macroinvertebrate sampling was conducted from May to September in an agricultural paddy field and irrigation pond in an environment-friendly paddy field in Boryeong city. We conducted a study to identify the distribution characteristics using macroinvertebrate species analysis, such as Functional Feeding Groups (FFGs), Habitat Oriented Groups (HOGs), rarefaction curve, and a two-way dendrogram. A total of 37 species of macroinvertebrates in 28 families, 13 orders were collected study during the period of the investigation. Dominant taxa of macroinvertebrates included Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Odonata. In terms of FFGs, predators and gathering collectors accounted for approximately 70%, in relation to HOGs, and climbers and swimmers occupied more than 50% from both the paddy field and irrigation pond. With respect to the rarefaction curve, the irrigation pond (July) was high as E (S, 141)=18 species, while the paddy field (May) was comparatively low as E (S, 141)=9 species. In conclusion, our results revealed that macroinvertebrates, such as Notonecta triguttata, Peltodytes intermedius, Appasus major, Laccotrephes japonensis, Appasus japonicus, Sigara substriata, Enochrus simulans, and Sternolophus rufipes, were used as a habitat and spawning ground in both paddy field and irrigation pond. The irrigation pond appears to be a very important spawning ground for macroinvertebrates.