Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia, 43(3-4) 2000

Issue:

VOL 43(3-4) 2000

Keywords:

Annelida, Oligochaeta, mountain streams, springs, interstitial waters, cave waters, Poland

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Studies on Oligochaeta taxocens in streams, interstitial and cave waters of southern Poland with remarks on Aphanoneura and Polychaeta distribution

• Elżbieta DUMNICKA

Abstract:

A total of 59 oligochaete species were found in the studied materials. The taxonomic notes on the following taxa are included: Nais with bifid needle setae, C. tatrensis, C. parviseta, and E. dominicae. The distribution of Aphanoneura (Aeolosoma spp.) and Polychaeta ( Troglochaetus beranecki) in Polish underground waters is discussed. The composition and structure of the oligochaete taxocens from various kinds of water bodies (streams, springs, interstitial waters, and cave waters) in the mountains and uplands of southern Poland is presented. In montane streams four types of taxocen are distinguished: with predomination of Enchytraeidae, Naididae, Lumbriculidae, or P. volki. In interstitial waters taxocens similar to those living in the stream bottom are found, besides those streams, in which Naididae predominated in the benthic fauna. In stagnant, endogenous cave waters mainly Enchytraeidae and Lumbriculidae were noted, while in Sudeten Tubificidae (Rhyacodrilus falciformis) were also encountered. In caves with watercourses Naididae and Propappus volki were also found. The comparison with oligochaete fauna living in the same kind of water bodies in other geographic regions showed the similarity of taxocens living in the studied water bodies (mainly on the genera level).