Resumo. AIMS: Our objective was assess the effects of leaf chemical change during breakdown on the associated invertebrates. METHODS: We evaluate the chemical composition of leaves (of two tree species; Sebastiania brasiliensis and Campomanesia xanthocarpa) and the density of invertebrates during leaf breakdown (on four incubation times; 3, 7, 14 and 22 days) in a subtropical stream. Linear multiple regression analysis were performed to evaluate the relationship between invertebrate density and changes in leaf chemical during breakdown. RESULTS: Density of invertebrates was related to the chemical composition of leaves. There was a positive correlation of K (β = 3.48) and a negative of C:N (β = -0.34), polyphenols (β = -0.16), Ca (β = -2.98) and Mg (β = -2.58) with the total density of invertebrates. Density of invertebrates on leaves reached 38 ± 9 and 192 ± 31 individuals g-1 leaf DM during the first 3 and 7 days of incubation, had decreased by the 14th day (117 ± 18) and then increased after 22 days (270 ± 41). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that changes in the chemistry of decomposing leaves affect invertebrate colonization process. This conclusion reinforce the importance of understand the dynamic of energy and nutrients and its association with the biological communities of tropical riparian ecosystems.