Novi podaci o vrsti Potamophylax rotundipennis (Brauer, 1857) i prvi nalaz vrste Stenophylax permistus McLachlan, 1895 (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) s Kosova

In this paper we report two new records of the rare limnephilid species Potamophylax rotundipennis (Brauer, 1857) from the Balkan Peninsula, more precisely from the Republic of Kosovo. The first sampling station is located around the spring area of the only stream inside Blinajë Hunting Reserve in central Kosovo, and the second one in the middle section of the Turuqicë tributary of the Llap River in northern Kosovo. From Blinajë Hunting Reserve we also report Stenophylax permistus McLachlan, 1895 for the first time from the Republic of Kosovo.U ovom radu su prikazana dva nova nalaza rijetke vrste porodice Limnephilidae, Potamophylax rotundipennis (Brauer, 1857) s Balkanskog poluotoka, točnije iz Republike Kosovo. Prvi lokalitet se nalazi na izvorišnom području jedinog potoka unutar lovnog rezervata Blinajë u središnjem Kosovu, a drugi na srednjem dijelu pritoke rijeke Llap, Turuqicë, na sjeveru Kosova. U Blinaji je također utvrđena po prvi puta na području Kosova vrsta Stenophylax permistus McLachlan, 189

Applicability of the 'Watershed Habitat Evaluation and Stream Integrity Protocol' (WHEBIP) in assessment of the stream integrity in Bregalnica River Basin

This paper reports the assessment of ecological integrity of streams in Bregalnica River Basin with emphasis on river Bregalnica as the biggest and most important watercourse in Eastern Macedonia. The results have principally been derived from remote sensing data and set up in a model build up on Watershed Habitat Evaluation and Stream Integrity Protocol (WHEBIP). WHEBIP effectiveness in predicting ecological integrity of streams has been assessed by correlation analyses derived upon data on macroinvertebrate biotic indices and physico-chemical parameters on 35 localities throughout the basin. The statistical analyses confirmed the capacity of WHEBIP to predict stream site-specific features with great accuracy in case of Bregalnica. The results obtained in this study contribute towards improvement of the WHEBIP protocol and in general promotes applicability of stream integrity assessment tools in setting priorities for integrated watershed management

Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) from Kožuf and Baba mountains (Republic of North Macedonia

Adult caddisflies were collected during 2018 and 2019 from Kožuf and Baba mountains, located in the southern end of the Republic of North Macedonia. A total of 36 species were recorded, of which 22 and 8 were recorded for the first time for Kožuf and Baba mountains, respectively. Limnephilus flavicornis (Fabricius, 1787) is reported for the first time from the country from Kožuf Mountain. In addition, new localities of several rare and endemic caddisfly species were found. The results of this study highlight Kožuf and Baba mountains as refugium for caddisfly species of conservation importance

The Rhyacophila fasciata Group in Europe: Rhyacophila fasciata Hagen 1859 and formerly synonymized species (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae), with new description of Rhyacophila fasciata and Rhyacophila septentrionis McLachlan 1865 (stat. prom.).

[EN] The presence and distribution of Rhyacophila fasciata Hagen 1859 in Europe were revised, based on bibliographic study, collection specimens, and new material collected in different countries. The status of formerly synonymized species, Rhyacophila ferruginea (Scopoli 1763) and Rhyacophila septentrionis McLachlan 1865 was also assessed. The type of R. ferruginea is missing, the taxon is still unidentified, and thus we propose Rhyacophila ferruginea as a nomen dubium. Morphological features and genetic evidence revealed that R. septentrionis differs from R. fasciata, so we propose to change its status to status resurrectus. We therefore include new descriptions of the different stages (larva, pupa, male, and female) of R. fasciata and of R. septentrionis, together with a molecular analysis based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) and ecological notes. The species R. coppai Oláh 2020 NEW SYNONYM and R. soreda Coppa & Oláh 2020 NEW SYNONYM are synonyms of R. sociata Navás 1916; the species R. kopasa Oláh & Coppa 2020 NEW SYNONYM and R. rova Oláh & Coppa 2020 NEW SYNONYM are synonyms of R. denticulata McLachlan 1879; the species R. matrensis Oláh & Szcz¿sny 2020 is probably a synonym of R. fasciata, so more study of this species is needed in order to confirm or deny that it is a valid species.[ES] Se ha revisado la presencia y distribución de Rhyacophila fasciata Hagen 1859 en Europa, basada en el estudio de la bibliografía, especímenes de colecciones y en nuevo material recolectado en diferentes países. Se evaluó asimismo el estado de las especies anteriormente sinonimizadas Rhyacophila ferruginea (Scopoli 1763) y Rhyacophila septentrionis McLachlan, 1865. El ejemplar tipo de R. ferruginea se ha perdido y el taxón permanece todavía sin identificar, por lo que proponemos Rhyacophila ferruginea como un nomen dubium. Las características morfológicas y las evidencias genéticas indican que R. septentrionis difiere de R. fasciata, por lo que proponemos un cambio de estatus a status resurrectus. Se incluyen nuevas descripciones de las distintas etapas (larva, pupa, machos y hembras) de R. fasciata y de R. septentrionis, junto con el análisis molecular del gen mitocondrial Citocromo Oxidasa subunidad I (COImt), y notas ecológicas. Las especies R. coppai Oláh 2020 NUEVO SINÓNIMO y R. soreda Coppa & Oláh 2020 NUEVO SINÓNIMO son sinónimos de R. sociata Navás 1916; las especies R. kopasa Oláh & Coppa 2020 NUEVO SINÓNIMO y R. rova Oláh & Coppa 2020 NUEVO SINÓNIMO son sinónimos de R. denticulata McLachlan 1879; la especie R. matrensis Oláh & Szcz¿sny 2020 es probablemente un sinónimo de R. fasciata, por lo que se necesita un estudio más detallado para confirmarla o rechazarla como especie válida.This research is a part of scientific project “DNA barcoding of Croatian faunal biodiversity” (IP-2016-06-9988) funded by the Croatian Science Foundation. The work of P. Chvojka was supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic (DKRVO 2019-2023/5.I.b, National Museum, 00023272)

THE QUALITY OF WATER OF THE MANTOVO RESERVOIR (REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA)

Abstract — The aim of the paper is to evaluate the quality of water of the Mantovo Reservoir (Southeast Macedonia) based on physico��chemical parameters and the macrozoobenthos. Monthly sampling was performed during 2003 and 2004. Temperature and DO depth profile data indicate that the Mantovo Reservoir is a dimictic lake. Based on mean nutrient concentrations, the Mantovo Reservoir can be considered as being phosphorus��deficient. During the summer stratifica�� tion, very high concentrations of Mn (2,819 µg/l) and Cu (147.6 µg/l) were detected in the lower profundal. Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri was the dominant species, which indicates the presence of organic pollution. Dominance of Chaoborus crystallinus and decline in abundance of L. hoffmeisteri in the lower profundal indicate a deterioration of environmental status in the deepest part of the lake

Chorological and Ecological Differentiation of the Commonest Leech Species from the Suborder Erpobdelliformes (Arhynchobdellida, Hirudinea) on the Balkan Peninsula

This study is the result of extensive investigations of leeches on the Balkan Peninsula. Our aim was to detect actual and potential (modeled) distributions of common Erpobdellidae species, and to identify their ecological differentiation with respect to the altitudinal and waterbody type gradient. Although widespread, these species rarely live together. Intense competition is avoided by preferences for different types of habitats. This was confirmed by Pearson correlation analyses that yielded negative results. Differentiation of these species was clarified by the results of logistic Gaussian regression analyses. While Erpobdella octoculata and Dina lineata have a similar distribution along the altitudinal gradient, they prefer different waterbody types. Erpobdella vilnensis prefers higher altitudes than the other two species. Its preferred habitats are smaller rivers and streams located at altitudes from 400 to 1000 m a.s.l. Although present in all waterbody types, large lowland rivers and standing waterbodies are the preferred habitats of E. octoculata. Fast-flowing springs and streams are mostly inhabited by D. lineata. While the distribution of the species overlaps to a large degree, the ecological preferences of species differ significantly and thus they can be used as confident typological descriptors and indicators of ecological status

Factors affecting distribution pattern of dominant macroinvertebrates in Mantovo Reservoir (Republic of Macedonia)

In the present study, we analysed spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the limnological characteristics to provide more detailed information about the processes taking place within Mantovo Reservoir (Republic of Macedonia). The relationship between principal macroinvertebrate species and environmental variables was analysed in order to explore factors that dominantly affect community distribution pattern. Unlike the most reservoirs, strong longitudinal gradient for suspended organic matter and nutrients (total phosphorous, nitrates and nitrites) along the reservoir doesn't exist. However, the process of thermal stratification has a strong influence on the metabolism and structure of the Mantovo ecosystem, which can be demonstrated by the vertical and longitudinal distribution of dissolved oxygen (DO), CO2, pH and metals concentrations. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicated that the main factors controlling spatial distribution of Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri and Chironomus plumosus group were temperature, dissolved oxygen and manganese, including sulphates for C. plumous group. Chaoborus crystallinus showed opposite distribution pattern. Cladotanytarsus mancus group was strongly associated with shallower part (littoral and sublittoral) of Mantovo Reservoir characterized by favourable oxygen condition. None of the environmental variables included in CCA showed any relationship with density of Procladius sp

Water Quality Assessment in the Ibër River Basin (Kosovo) Using Macroinvertebrate and Benthic Diatom Indices

Freshwater ecosystems in Kosovo have undergone significant degradation in recent years due to various anthropogenic pressures, including sewage effluents, industrial discharge, water intakes, and riverbed degradation. Consequently, the populations of freshwater biota, including bioindicators, have been heavily impacted by these activities. This study provides a thorough evaluation of water quality in the main course and tributaries of the Ibër Basin, Kosovo, utilizing macroinvertebrates and benthic diatoms as bioindicators. The well-being of aquatic ecosystems is intricately tied to water quality, and these organisms serve as valuable indicators because of their sensitivity to environmental changes. Sampling of macroinvertebrates and diatoms were collected at 20 stations in the basin. Diversity, abundance, and ecological indices obtained from macroinvertebrates and benthic diatoms were employed to assess the water quality status at various sampling sites. The findings indicate variations in macroinvertebrate and benthic diatom assemblages among different sites, reflecting anthropogenic impacts on water quality in most of the studies sites. The macrozoobenthos structure during this investigation consists of one class (Gastropoda), two subclasses (Hirudinea and Oligochaeta), nine orders (Diptera, Isopoda, Coleoptera, Hirudinida, Amphipoda, Decapoda, Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, and Plecoptera), and 26 families. The composition of diatoms includes 152 species, with the most diverse genera being Nitzschia Hassall 1845 (29 species), Navicula Bory, 1822 (18 species), and Gomphonema Ehrenberg, 1832 (9 species). The integration of biological and environmental data provides a holistic understanding of the ecological health of freshwater ecosystems of the Ibër Basin indicating severe deterioration at several of the study sites. The outcomes of this study can inform water resource management strategies, facilitating targeted conservation and remediation efforts to improve and preserve the overall water quality in the basin. This research contributes to the broader field of freshwater ecology and underscores the significance of using bioindicators for effective water quality monitoring and management

Factors affecting distribution pattern of dominant macroinvertebrates in Mantovo Reservoir (Republic of Macedonia)

In the present study, we analysed spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the limnological characteristics to provide more detailed information about the processes taking place within Mantovo Reservoir (Republic of Macedonia). The relationship between principal macroinvertebrate species and environmental variables was analysed in order to explore factors that dominantly affect community distribution pattern. Unlike the most reservoirs, strong longitudinal gradient for suspended organic matter and nutrients (total phosphorous, nitrates and nitrites) along the reservoir doesn't exist. However, the process of thermal stratification has a strong influence on the metabolism and structure of the Mantovo ecosystem, which can be demonstrated by the vertical and longitudinal distribution of dissolved oxygen (DO), CO2, pH and metals concentrations. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicated that the main factors controlling spatial distribution of Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri and Chironomus plumosus group were temperature, dissolved oxygen and manganese, including sulphates for C. plumous group. Chaoborus crystallinus showed opposite distribution pattern. Cladotanytarsus mancus group was strongly associated with shallower part (littoral and sublittoral) of Mantovo Reservoir characterized by favourable oxygen condition. None of the environmental variables included in CCA showed any relationship with density of Procladius sp.nul

Factors affecting distribution pattern of dominant macroinvertebrates in Mantovo Reservoir (Republic of Macedonia)

In the present study, we analysed spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the limnological characteristics to provide more detailed information about the processes taking place within Mantovo Reservoir (Republic of Macedonia). The relationship between principal macroinvertebrate species and environmental variables was analysed in order to explore factors that dominantly affect community distribution pattern. Unlike the most reservoirs, strong longitudinal gradient for suspended organic matter and nutrients (total phosphorous, nitrates and nitrites) along the reservoir doesn't exist. However, the process of thermal stratification has a strong influence on the metabolism and structure of the Mantovo ecosystem, which can be demonstrated by the vertical and longitudinal distribution of dissolved oxygen (DO), CO2, pH and metals concentrations. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicated that the main factors controlling spatial distribution of Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri and Chironomus plumosus group were temperature, dissolved oxygen and manganese, including sulphates for C. plumous group. Chaoborus crystallinus showed opposite distribution pattern. Cladotanytarsus mancus group was strongly associated with shallower part (littoral and sublittoral) of Mantovo Reservoir characterized by favourable oxygen condition. None of the environmental variables included in CCA showed any relationship with density of Procladius sp.nul