Water beetles (Coleoptera: Haliplidae, Dytiscidae, Helophoridae, Hydrophilidae, Hydraenidae, Elmidae, Psephenidae, Scirtidae) of the Slavíč river basin, Czech Republic

Abstract

Abstract Twenty-three sites within the Slavíč river basin (Silesia, Czech Republic) were surveyed to obtain up-to-date information on water beetles in the area. In total, 46 species comprising eight families were recorded. Significant findings included Ochthebius melanescens Dalla Torre, 1877, Hydrocyphon deflexicollis (Müller, 1821) (both endangered), Hydraena morio Kiesenwetter, 1849, Eubria palustris (Germar, 1818) (both vulnerable), Hydraena minutissima Stephens, 1829 (near threatened) and Elodes pseudominutus Klausnitzer, 1971 (data deficient). The Slavíč water beetle assemblage consisted mainly of typical rheophilic species, many characteristic for cold, mountainous waters, the most common beetles recorded being representatives of the families Elmidae and Hydraenidae. The species spectrum was significantly enriched by species found in non-riverine habitats along the Slavíč River floodplain (e.g. springs, wetlands and ponds), with representatives of the families Dytiscidae, Haliplidae and Hydrophilidae dominating.