Environmental factors affecting mayfly assemblages in tufa-depositing habitats of the Dinaric Karst

摘要: Remarkably, unlike other parts of Europe, the ecology mayflies in southeastern regions is still poorly known. Here we present first comprehensive study Ephemeroptera tufa-depositing habitats Dinaric Karst. The was conducted Plitvice Lakes National Park monthly during a one-year period (2007–2008) different types (springs, streams, mountainous rivers, tufa barriers). aims were to determine mayfly composition, abundance, spatial distribution and habitat preferences, examine environmental factors important for structuring assemblages Park. fauna composed 14 species (20 taxa). Water temperature, pH ammonium concentration most variables explaining assemblages. Mayfly grouped according type. Generally, favourable type stream, barriers less favourable, least springs. Our results confirmed that are powerful tool as descriptors their environment, presence or absence certain strongly influenced by physico-chemical water properties.