Diplodon chilensis is a Unionid of the family Hyriidae, endemic to southern Chile and Argentina. It can be found in rivers and lakes, from the shore to 60 meters deep. According to several authors, it creates favorable conditions for different species of macroinvertebrates that live associated with this bivalve, mainly by the generation of organic matter by feces and pseudofeces. In this work, we conducted an experiment in Lake Riñihue (southern Chile), consisting of three treatments, one where we placed live specimens, another with only bivalve shells (simulated), and the third treatment with the absence of this bivalve. The experiment lasted three months in the lake. At the end of the third month, we removed all the cages and evaluated the fauna and organic matter in each treatment. A total of 32 taxa were identified, including the orders Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Crustacea, Trichoptera, Odonata and Oligochaeta. Throughout the study, a variation in taxonomic composition was observed between the first and third month, showing an increase in the diversity of organisms in the different experimental treatments. In the treatments in which Diplodon chilensis was incorporated (treatment with live Diplodon and simulated shells), a greater taxonomic richness of macroinvertebrates was recorded compared to the treatment without Diplodon. On the other hand, regarding the concentrations of organic matter in the sediments recorded in each treatment, a trend towards higher values was observed in the treatment with live Diplodon chilensis compared to the other two treatments. These results allow a better understanding of the bioengineering role of these bivalves in lakes in southern Chile. Thanks to the Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo (ANID) Chile, through regular FONDECYT project N° 1231089.