engleski

Diversity of aquatic insects (Heteroptera: Nepomorpha, Gerromorpha and Coleoptera: Hydradephaga, Hydrophilidae) in kras area of Gorski Kotar (Croatia)

The aims of this study were to determine aquatic insects (Heteroptera: Nepomorpha, Gerromorpha and Coleoptera: Hydradephaga, Hydrophilidae) fauna in two temporary and two permanent ponds and to relate assemblage structure, abundance and diversity with respect to hydroperiod, habitat size, shading of ponds and altitude. Field work was conducted in two temporary and two permanent ponds in the municipality of Mrkopalj (Gorski kotar) from June to September 2005. Altogether, 360 specimens belonging to 24 species of water bugs and beetles were collected. A large number of species (17) was recorded in the Sungerski lug pond (S1) and the great species diversity in relation to abundance was recorded for the Sunger pond (S2). The occurrence of Anacena limbata and Anacena lutescens from family Hydrophilidae and Hydroporus melanarius from family Dytiscidae is an important faunistic result, because they are new to the fauna of Croatia. According to the results of our study, water bugs and beetles prefer large, permanent, open ponds at lower altitude, although greater diversity was found in small pond.

aquatic insects; ponds; kras area

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