Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia, 29 (1985 - 1986)
Caddisflies (Trichoptera) of running waters in the Polish North Carpathians
Abstract:
Trichoptera of the Polish North Carpathians were studied. Materials (larvae, pupae and imagines) were collected in the years 1965-1981 in all kinds of aquatic biotops, particular attention being paid to running waters caddisflies. 210 caddisfly species were found to live in the North Carpathians (including published data after verification). 162 of them inhabit the Polish part of the mountains. 8 endemic species were found to exist there (including Allogamus starmachi Sz., an endemic Tatra species). Running waters are inhabited by 106 species; the most abundant ones are as follows: Hydropsyche pellucidula (Сurt.), Psychomyia pusilla (Fabr.), Rhyacophila nubila (Zett.), Allogamus auricollis (Pict.). The most abundant species were generally found to be the most common. Eight caddisfly communities were distinguished by means of a statistical method. They inhabited successive stream reaches. Community S was found to be restricted to Tatra streams exclusively. Communities A and В were observed to inhabit high-mountain streams of the Tatras and the Babia Góra Mtn. The remaining ones (C, D, E, F, G) colonise the streams of the Beskidy Mts which are of medium height. The Tatra endemic species dominates in community S while the remaining Carpathian endemic species mostly participate in community С (“spring” community). Running waters caddisflies were grouped into functional feeding groups according to Cummins (1973). Percentage of the groups in the communities was commented upon. Life cycles of 15 species were followed. The species were classed into three groups according to the way of life cycle completion: I — univoltine species with a very synchronous m oulting pattern, II — semivoltine species, III — poorly synchronous univoltine species. An analysis of the main adaptation trends of the North Carpathian Trichoptera proved the species to adapt mainly to cold running waters ; attached algae or detritus appeared to be their main diet components. Absence of endemic species from stagnant waters of the North Carpathians was discussed.
