Diversity and distribution of stoneflies in the area of Plitvice Lakes National Park and along the Mediterranean river Cetina (Croatia)

Abstract

The stonefly fauna of Croatia is poorly known with only 28 species so far officially recorded. This number should be much higher because for some neighbouring countries about 100 stonefly species are known. The aim of this work was to investigate and to compare the diversity and distribution of stoneflies in the continental and the Mediterranean part of the Western Dinaric region in Croatia. The results are based on identification of adult insects and larvae. Adult Plecoptera were collected at the Plitvice Lakes National Park during two years using pyramid-type emergence traps and window traps with 28 stonefly species collected. The research of stonefly fauna of Cetina River was conducted during a one-year period and adults of 15 stonefly species were found. Among 37 stonefly species recorded for both study areas only six species are shared, and 19 species are new for the Croatian fauna as important new findings for the Croatian part of Dinaric region.