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Despite the recent increase in the number of mayfly studies in karst freshwater habitats, their biology and ecology in springs are still poorly characterized. Therefore, we studied mayfly assemblages in a European karst rheocrene spring at five microhabitats monthly over a one-year period. Three species were recorded: Baetis alpinus (Pictet, 1843), Baetis rhodani (Pictet, 1843) and Rhithrogena braaschi (Jacob, 1974). The latter species represents a new record for the fauna of Bosnia and Herzegovina. All three species inhabited all studied microhabitats but with varying abundance. Individual species were associated with a specific substrate type and/or water velocity and/or water depth. The grazer/scraper Rh. braaschi was most common at microhabitats with inorganic substrate (cobbles, mixture of pebbles and sand), moderate water velocity and higher water depth. The rheophilic grazer/scraper and gatherer/collector B. alpinus was most common at microhabitats with mosses and highest water velocity. The grazer/scraper and gatherer/collector B. rhodani was recorded at all microhabitats, yet due to its preference for moderate water velocity, the highest number of individuals were collected from cobbles. We recorded movements of mayfly nymphs among the available microhabitats during their life cycles, due likely to their dietary requirements and search for suitable refugia. Baetis alpinus has a bivoltine, B. rhodani polyvoltine and Rh. braaschi univoltine life cycle with a long emergence period. The results presented here contribute to the knowledge of spring and mayfly ecology.

Elmis rietscheli Steffan, 1958 (Coleoptera: Elmidae) is a typical inhabitant of cold springs and small streams in the mountainous areas of Central Europe. Recently, three specimens of E. rietscheli were collected in the source area of the Šumi, a stream flowing from Mt Ivanščica, northern Croatia. The morphological identification of the specimens was confirmed by DNA barcoding. This is the first record of E. rietscheli from Croatia, and it represents the southernmost record for this species known to date., Tipična srednjoeuropska vrsta vodenog kornjaša iz porodice slapoljuba, Rietschelijev slapoljub, Elmis rietscheli Steffan, 1958 (Coleoptera: Elmidae), naseljava hladne izvore i malene vodotoke u središnjoj Europi. Tri primjerka ove vrste prikupljena su na području planine Ivanščice na izvoru potoka Šumi. DNA barkodiranje potvrdilo je morfološku identifikaciju jedinki. To je prvi nalaz vrste E. rietscheli za faunu Hrvatske te predstavlja do sada najjužniju zabilježenu točku rasprostranjenja te vrste.

In the following paper, new information about the occurrence of the pyraloid moth Euclasta splendidalis (Herrich-Schäffer, [1848]) in Croatia is presented. Although this species from the microlepidopterous family Crambidae was presented as a new one in the Croatian fauna in 2012, three specimens were discovered during an examination of a large number of pyraloid moths collected by Mladen Kučinić in the 1990s. These specimens of Euclasta splendidalis were collected during several field trips to the Neretva Valley, south Dalmatia, in August 1996 and 1997 and are the oldest findings of Euclasta splendidalis in Croatia. Also, two specimens were collected during a field investigation in the same area conducted in 2016. These additional records suggest that this local and rare species has been present in the fauna of Croatia for quite a long time and that it has become permanently present in the fauna of Croatia. They also deepen the knowledge on the distribution of this species within the same area. Furthermore, a list of additionally recorded pyraloid species from the valley of the Neretva River is given., U radu iznosimo podatake o novim nalazima vrste livadnog moljca Euclasta splendidalis (Herrich-Schäffer, [1848]) u Hrvatskoj. Iako je ova vrsta mikrolepidoptera iz porodice Crambidae 2012. godine zabilježena kao nova vrsta za faunu Hrvatske, tri su primjerka pronađena pregledavajući zbirku Pyraloidea dr. sc. Mladena Kučinića prikupljenih tijekom 1990-tih godina. Primjerci vrste Euclasta splendidalis su prikupljeni tijekom terenskih istraživanja u dolini Neretve, u južnoj Dalmaciji, u kolovozu 1996. i 1997. godine. Ovi nalazi predstavljaju najstarije nalaze ove vrste s područja Republike Hrvatske. Usto, dva su primjerka ulovljena tijekom terenskih istraživanja koja su izvršena 2016. godine u dolini Neretve. Ovi dodatni nalazi ukazuju na to da je ta lokalna i rijetka vrsta duže prisutna u fauni Hrvatske, te da je postala stalni element hrvatske faune. Ovi nalazi također proširuju znanje o distribuciji vrste Euclasta splendidalis na istome području. Nadalje se u radu daje popis dodatnih vrsta Pyraloidea zabilježenih na području doline Neretve.

The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a unique area in the world with a great variety of aquatic habitats, including tufa barriers. UNESCO has protected this area since 1979. In this paper, detailed faunistic results of the first research on Trichoptera species conducted from 1997 to 2001 are shown. Sampling was done using both light and emergence traps, and 77 caddisfly species were determined using the two methods. Furthermore, a brief overview of the Trichoptera research history in the Plitvice Lakes area is given along with a detailed presentation of caddisfly fauna and an extended checklist of Trichoptera species. In the Plitvice Lakes 89 Trichoptera species have been recorded so far. Flight periods are given for each species. Also, the reasons of such a high degree of Trichoptera biodiversity (the highest in Croatia) in the Plitvice Lakes are highlighted. A comparison of species assemblages collected from the 12 localities was made along with the comparison of Trichoptera fauna composition in different aquatic habitats in the Plitvice Lakes NP: springs, streams, lakes and tufa barriers., Plitvička jezera jedinstveno su područje u svijetu s velikom raznolikošću slatkovodnih staništa od kojih se posebno ističu sedrene barijere. Ovo je područje pod zaštitom UNESCO-a od 1979. godine. Radom se prikazuju detaljni faunistički rezultati prvih sistematskih istraživanja tulara (Trichoptera, Insecta) na području Nacionalnog parka Plitvička jezera. Tulari su prikupljani metodama svjetlosnih i emergencijskih klopki u periodu od 1997. do 2001. godine, a zabilježeno je ukupno 77 vrsta. U radu se daje osvrt na povijest istraživanja tulara na području Nacionalnog parka, detaljan pregled faune tulara zabilježene na tome području te prikaz drugog, nadopunjenog popisa Trichoptera NP Plitvička jezera. Na području Nacionalnog Parka dosadašnjim je istraživanjima zabilježeno 89 vrsta tulara. Za sve vrste prikazuje se period leta te se ukazuje na razloge ovako velike bioraznolikosti tulara (najveća u Hrvatskoj) na području Plitvička jezera. Izvršena je usporedba zabilježene faune na svim lokalitetima istraživanja (12 lokaliteta) na području Plitvičkih jezera, te usporedba sastava faune tulara na različitim slatkovodnim tipovima staništa na tome prostoru: izvorima, potocima, jezerima i sedrenim barijerama.

The paper brings data about the new findings of the rare Mediterranean caddisfly species Micropterna wageneri in Croatia with first data of DNA barcoding for this species. The species is recorded in Konavle region and on the Mt. Biokovo. We also present the diversity of the genus Micropterna in Croatia and discuss issues related to the DNA barcoding for this genus in Croatia and Europe., Rad donosi podatke o novim nalazima rijetke mediteranske vrste tulara Micropterna wageneri u Hrvatskoj, s prvim podacima o DNA barkodiranju te vrste. Vrsta je zabilježena u Konavlima i na Biokovu. Također se predstavlja raznolikost roda Micropterna u Hrvatskoj i raspravlja o DNA barkodiranju tog roda u Hrvatskoj i Europi.

Two species of the genus Adicella, A. cremisa Malicky, 1972 and A. balcanica Botosaneanu & Novak, 1965, were recorded in the summer period of 2014 which represent the first records of these species in Croatia. The former was collected at two relatively distant sites, the Krapina and the Zrmanja rivers, while the later was collected at the Krupa River. Both species were identified by morphological characteristics as well as DNA barcoding method. We calculated the uncorrected pairwise distances within Adicella and used molecular phylogenetic approach to delimit species. A. cremisa from Croatia showed no significant difference in the mtCOI region and they are highly similar to A. cremisa from Italy. Additionally, the ecological preferences and distribution of Adicella species are presented. Our findings represent a significant contribution to the aquatic biodiversity of the Western Balkans.

Background Taxonomy offers precise species identification and delimitation and thus provides basic information for biological research, e.g. through assessment of species richness. The importance of molecular taxonomy, i.e., the identification and delimitation of taxa based on molecular markers, has increased in the past decade. Recently developed exploratory tools now allow estimating species-level diversity in multi-locus molecular datasets. Results Here we use molecular species delimitation tools that either quantify differences in intra- and interspecific variability of loci, or divergence times within and between species, or perform coalescent species tree inference to estimate species-level entities in molecular genetic datasets. We benchmark results from these methods against 14 morphologically readily differentiable species of a well-defined subgroup of the diverse Drusinae subfamily (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae). Using a 3798 bp (6 loci) molecular data set we aim to corroborate a geographically isolated new species by integrating comparative morphological studies and molecular taxonomy. Conclusions Our results indicate that only multi-locus species delimitation provides taxonomically relevant information. The data further corroborate the new species Drusus zivici sp. nov. We provide differential diagnostic characters and describe the male, female and larva of this new species and discuss diversity patterns of Drusinae in the Balkans. We further discuss potential and significance of molecular species delimitation. Finally we argue that enhancing collaborative integrative taxonomy will accelerate assessment of global diversity and completion of reference libraries for applied fields, e.g., conservation and biomonitoring. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-017-0972-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Climate is often considered to be an important, but indirect driver of speciation. Indeed, environmental factors may contribute to the formation of biodiversity, but to date this crucial relationship remains largely unexplored. Here we investigate the possible role of climate, geological factors, and biogeographical processes in the formation of a freshwater insect species group, the Chaetopteryx rugulosa species complex (Trichoptera) in the Western Balkans. We used multi-locus DNA sequence data to establish a dated phylogenetic hypothesis for the group. The comparison of the dated phylogeny with the geological history of the Western Balkans shows that lineage formation coincided with major past Earth surface and climatic events in the region. By reconstructing present-day habitat conditions (climate, bedrock geology), we show that the lineages of C. rugulosa species complex have distinct climatic but not bedrock geological niches. Without exception, all splits associated with Pliocene/Pleistocene transition led to independent, parallel split into ‘warm’ and ‘cold’ sister lineages. This indicates a non-random diversification on the C. rugulosa species complex associated with late Pliocene climate in the region. We interpreted the results as the diversification of the species complex were mainly driven by ecological diversification linked to past climate change, along with geographical isolation.

The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a unique area in the world with a great variety of aquatic habitats, including tufa barriers. UNESCO has protected this area since 1979. In this paper, detailed faunistic results of the first research on Trichoptera species conducted from 1997 to 2001 are shown. Sampling was done using both light and emergence traps, and 77 caddisfly species were determined using the two methods. Furthermore, a brief overview of the Trichoptera research history in the Plitvice Lakes area is given along with a detailed presentation of caddisfly fauna and an extended second checklist of Trichoptera species in the NP. In the Plitvice Lakes 89 Trichoptera species have been recorded so far. Flight periods are given for each species. Also, the reasons of such a high degree of Trichoptera biodiversity (the highest in Croatia) in the Plitvice Lakes are highlighted. A comparison of species assemblages collected from the 12 localities was made along with the comparison of Trichoptera fauna composition in different aquatic habitats in the Plitvice Lakes NP: springs, streams, lakes and tufa barriers.

The paper presents a description of the hitherto unknown larva of Ecclisopteryx malickyi Moretti 1991. Information for the identification of this species is given, and the most important diagnostic features are illustrated. Some zoogeographical and ecological notes are added. Furthermore, larval morphology of the whole genus is discussed and differentiating characters are given.

In a recent 3–gene phylogeny of the Trichoptera subfamily Drusinae Banks, 1916 molecular data clearly correlated with the morphology and feeding ecology of larvae. The largest of three main groups, the Drusinae grazer clade, exhibits an unusual larval feeding ecology for Limnephilidae, and is the most diverse group. In this paper we describe four previously unknown Drusinae larvae from this clade: Drusus balcanicus Kumanski, 1973 (micro–endemic to Eastern Balkans); Drusus botosaneanui Kumanski, 1968 (Dinaric Western Balkans, Hellenic and Eastern Balkan, Asia Minor), Drusus serbicus Marinković-Gospodnetić, 1971a (micro–endemic to Dinaric Western Balkans); and Drusus tenellus (Klapálek, 1898) (Carpathians, Dinaric Eastern Balkans). Characteristically, the larvae of these species develop toothless mandibles typical for the Drusinae grazer clade. Larvae and adults were unambiguously associated by a phylogenetic approach based on two mitochondrial (mtCOI, mtLSU= 16S rDNA) and two nuclear genes (nuWG, nuCAD). In addition, information on the morphology of the larvae is given and the diagnostic features necessary for identification are illustrated.

The hitherto unknown larva of Annitella apfelbecki (Klapálek, 1899) is described and discussed in the context of contemporary Limnephilidae keys. In addition, its life cycle is discussed, and zoogeographical and ecological notes are included. Finally, we provide some additional information on the morphologically very similar larva of Melampophylax nepos (McLachlan, 1880).

The hitherto unknown larva of Tinodes braueri McLachlan, 1878, is described and discussed in the context of contemporary Psychomyiidae keys. In addition, zoogeographical and ecological notes are included.

The Balkan Peninsula is known for its high species diversity, but it is also one of the least known areas of Europe. Many previously inaccessible regions lack reliable faunistic records. There are especially few data available for the highly diverse aquatic insects of the region. To help fill the gap, we conducted an extensive survey to map the Trichoptera fauna of the Republic of Kosovo, an area where faunistic records are extremely scarce. Adult specimens were collected during 2009 and 2010, with light traps and entomologic nets. Of 84 Trichoptera species identified from the 21 investigated stations, 15 belong to the genus Rhyacophila. This makes the genus the most species-rich in Kosovo. Rhyacophila fasciata and R. tristis are widespread in many streams and rivers all over the country, while R. balcanica, R. trescavicensis, R. obtusa and R. bosnica have limited distribution. Ten Rhyacophila species presented in this paper are recorded for the first time on the area of Kosovo. We also provide new data for the disjunctive distribution of R. palmeni in south-eastern Europe, from Kosovo and Croatia.

Adult caddisflies were collected from 12 stations in the Black Sea basin in Kosovo using UV light traps. Sixty-five of the seventy-six species reported in this paper are first records for the Kosovo caddisfly fauna. The unexpected discovery of several species during this investigation: Agapetus delicatulus McLachlan, 1884, Psychomyia klapaleki Malicky, 1995, Tinodes janssensi Jacquemart, 1957, Hydropsyche emarginata Navas, 1923, Drusus botosaneanui Kumanski, 1968, Potamophylax rotundipennis (Brauer, 1857), Potamophylax schmidi Marinković-Gospodnetić, 1970, Ceraclea albimacula (Rambur, 1842), Helicopsyche bacescui Orghidan & Botosaneanu, 1953, Adicella filicornis (Pictet, 1834), Beraea maurus (Curtis, 1834) and Beraeamyia hrabei Mayer, 1937 illustrates that collections from poorly investigated areas in Europe will almost certainly revise the existing knowledge on the distribution of these and other species.

Annitella apfelbecki is one of three Annitella species with distribution ranges restricted to the Balkan Peninsula. In this paper, we describe the hitherto unknown female of A. apfelbecki and give the most important morphological features to enable its identification and separation from the other Annitella females. Additionally, we provide new data on distribution and discuss zoogeography, life cycle and ecology of this species.

The caddislfies fauna is poorly known in the karstic area which covers about 50% of the entire territory of the Republic of Croatia. The Krka River is a karstic Mediterranean river with specific travertine barriers and 2 lakes. The spring of the Krka River is located 45 kilometres from the coast. The river flows into the Adriatic Sea near the city of Šibenik. In 1998 and 1999, systematic collecting of Trichoptera was performed in that area, and in 2000, 2005, 2007 and 2009 caddisflies were collected periodically. Sampling was performed at 9 locations representing different types of habitats: springs, travertine barriers, upper, middle and lower parts of the Krka River and lakes. During 16 on–site visits, 4792 adults were collected, belonging to 50 species. Diversity, distribution, ecology and biogeography of this material were analyzed.

The paper presents a description of the hitherto unknown larva of Ecclisopteryx malickyi Moretti 1991. Information for the identification of this species is given, and the most important diagnostic features are illustrated. Some zoogeographical and ecological notes are added. Furthermore, larval morphology of the whole genus is discussed and differentiating characters are given.

Drusus klapaleki Marinković-Gospodnetić, 1971, is distributed in central Bosnia and Herzegovina and it belongs to the D. bosnicus Group. In the Balkan Peninsula, the D. bosnicus Group consists of 9 taxa with allopatric distribution. This study has 2 objectives. One is to describe the morphological characters of the Drusus klapaleki larva. Another objective is to find certain morphological and ecological features to larvae of the species belonging to the D. bosnicus Group from the Balkan Peninsula.

This study presents the first comprehensive investigation of population aspects and ecological traits of water beetles in oligotrophic hydrosystems with tufa formation in southeastern Europe. Diverse lotic habitats (springs, rivers and tufa barriers) were investigated monthly for one year in Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. Elmidae were the most diverse and abundant family, followed by Scirtidae and Hydraenidae. The ecological traits of water beetles were primarily defined by nutrients and water depth.Elmis bosnicaZaitzev, 1908, about which little has been published, was found to be bryophilous and to prefer low water temperatures. Biogeographical analysis revealed the dominance of typical southeastern and Mediterranean species. Species population dynamics could be attributed to differences in flow permanence, current velocity and canopy coverage. Both current velocity and water depth significantly influenced the occurrence of larval stages, while abundance of adults correlated with water depth. Our results highlight tufa barriers as preferred habitats for species of the genusRiolusand the family Scirtidae. The results of this study, many of which are the first to be reported for water beetles, provide a basis for further investigations of these animals and their ecology in oligotrophic hydrosystems with tufa. In particular, our study demonstrates the potential of Elmidae as water quality indicators, which should be considered in future conservation and protection management efforts.

The Neretva River Delta in Croatia is under constant threat of pollution from various sources along the river watercourse, such as the aluminium industry and bauxite mining, intensive agriculture and untreated sewage from towns. The area is also an important fishing ground and food source for the local residents, whereby the suitability of fish for human consumption is always in question. In this paper the presence of arsenic from six sources was analysed: in water, sediment and fish organs (kidneys, liver, muscles and gonads) of 11 fish species: Lepomis gibbosus, Carassius auratus gibelio, Cyprinus carpio, Anguilla anguilla, Ameiurus nebulosus, Mugil cephalus, Leuciscus svallize, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Salmo trutta, Tinca tinca and Scardinius plotiza. The research showed that arsenic concentrations varied significantly from one source to another in the water, sediment and organs of different fish species. Average concentrations in water and sediment were 18.1 μg L−1 and 32.7 μg kg−1, respectively. Average arsenic levels in the fish organs were 115.9, 105.8, 76.1 and 61.9 μg kg−1 in muscles, kidneys, gonads and livers, respectively. These values are below legally permitted concentrations, although individuals with higher than average concentrations were recorded.

The aim of this research was to identify pathogens in field populations of the genus Pityokteines from Croatia with special reference to their spatial distribution throughout the country. Pathogens occurrence was studied in 5, 968 adult specimens of three silver fir bark beetle species: Pityokteines curvidens, P. spinidens and P. vorontzovi. Four pathogen species were observed in different tissues of their hosts. The pathogens Canningia spinidentis and Menzbieria sp. were found only in P. spinidens, while Chytridiopsis typographi and Gregarina sp. were also present in P. curvidens and P. vorontzovi. Multiple infections were observed in all three beetle species where gregarines occurred together with C. typographi and in combination with C. spinidentis in the specimens of P. spinidens. All pathogen species found in this research are first descriptions on host Pityokteines spp., except Canningia spinidens. Data presented in this study show possible candidates for further tests to utilize pathogens as microbial control agents against fir bark beetles in the future.

The hitherto unknown larva of Annitella apfelbecki (Klapalek, 1899) is described and discussed in the context of contemporary Limnephilidae keys. In addition, its life cycle is discussed, and zoogeographical and ecological notes are included. Finally, we provide some additional information on the morphologically very similar larva of Melampophylax nepos (McLachlan, 1880).

The Balkan Peninsula is one of three major European refugial areas. It has high biodiversity and endemism, but data on the age and origin of its fauna, especially endemics, are limited. Mitochondrial sequence data (COI and 16S genes) were used to study the population structure and phylogeography of the caddisfly Drusus croaticus and the phylogeny and divergence of seven other Drusus species, mostly range-restricted endemics of the Dinaric region of the Balkan Peninsula. The divergence of D. croaticus populations in Croatia and allopatric Drusus species in Bosnia dated to the Pleistocene, showing the importance of this time period for the origin and diversification of Balkan endemic taxa. The divergence of more distantly related species dated to the Late Miocene/Early Pliocene. Population genetic and phylogeographic analysis of 115 individuals from 11 populations of D. croaticus revealed a high level of genetic differentiation and absence of gene flow between populations separated by more than 10 km. The existence of allopatrically fragmented lineages in D. croaticus and the endemic Bosnian species is most likely the result of long-term isolation in multiple microrefugia, probably due to the specific habitat requirements and life-history traits of Drusinae coupled with the topographic complexity and historical changes in geomorphology of the region. Overall, these findings shed light on the processes generating the high genetic complexity of this refugial region that parallels the 'refugia within refugia' pattern widely reported from the Iberian refugium.

The species Tinodes antonioi, a new species in the fauna of Croatia, was determined in northern Istria. The paper provides information about T. antonioi in Croatia (DNA barcode data, period of the finds, localities of the finds, numbers of males and females collected) as well as the biodiversity and distribution of the Tinodes genus in Croatia. A reference is made to the species endemic in Croatia, Tinodes andrasi, established to date at only one site in the south of Croatia (Konavle, Dalmacija).

This paper summarizes the layout, the three work packages (WP) and the preliminary (November 2014) as well as intend- ed outcomes of the Drusinae project funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF).

A description of the larva of Drusus plicatus Radovanović is given for the first time. The most important diagnostic characters enabling separation from larvae of the other Drusinae from the southeast Europe are listed. Molecular, ecological, and ethological features and distribution patterns of the species are given. Additionally, information on the sympatric caddisfly species of the three springs where larvae and adults of Drusus plicatus were found and presented.

The species Tinodes antonioi, a new species in the fauna of Croatia, was determined in northern Istria. The paper provides information about T. antonioi in Croatia (DNA barcode data, period of the finds, localities of the finds, numbers of males and females collected) as well as the biodiversity and distribution of the Tinodes genus in Croatia. A reference is made to the species endemic in Croatia, Tinodes andrasi, established to date at only one site in the south of Croatia (Konavle, Dalmacija)., Vrsta Tinodes antonioi, kao nova u fauni Hrvatske, zabilježena je po prvi puta u sjevernoj Istri. U radu se daju informacije o T. antonioi u Hrvatskoj (DNA barkod podaci, periodi nalaza, lokaliteti nalaza, broj prikupljenih mužjaka i ženki), kao i bioraznolikost i rasprostranjenost roda Tinodes u Hrvatskoj. Daje se osvrt i na endem Hrvatske, Tinodes andrasi, zabilježen samo na jednom lokalitetu u Hrvatskoj (Konavle, Dalmacija).

Adult Trichoptera were observed at the Plitvice Lakes, Croatia during two years (2000 and 2001) using pyramid-type emergence traps. A total of 1350 individuals and 37 species were collected. Throughout the study, the emergence patterns showed only minor variations regarding differences in particular habitats. During 2000 most species emerged in June, and in 2001 in May. The complete emergence period is shown for all collected species and studied in detail for abundant species. Excluding Allogamus uncatus, all abundant species emerged in summer, with most exhibiting a long emergence period. Rhyacophila fasciata had the longest emergence period in both years of the study and also showed winter activity. Trichopteran diversity and equitability were calculated and trophic relationships of the collected species were identified for each sampling site in order to obtain better insight into trichopteran community structure. Results indicated that the trichopteran community could be grouped according to travertine barriers and stream habitat types.

The previously unknown larva of Rhyacophila balcanica Radovanovic 1953 is described. The diagnostic features of the species are listed and illustrated and some information on its ecology and distribution is included. In addition, diagnostic characters for larvae of the known Greek Rhyacophila species are provided.

In this paper we describe Drusus sharrensis sp. n., from the Sharr Mountains in Kosovo. Males of the new species are morphologically most similar to Drusus krusniki Malicky, 1981, Drusus kerek Oláh, 2011 and Drusus juliae Oláh, 2011 but differ mainly in exhibiting (1) a differently shaped spinose area on tergite VIII; (2) intermediate appendages anteriorly curved in lateral view with broad tips in dorsal view; (3) inferior appendages with a distinct dorsal protrusion in the proximal half. Females of the new species are morphologically most similar to Drusus krusniki, Drusus kerek, Drusus juliae, and Drusus plicatus Radovanovic, 1942 but mainly differ in (1) segment X that is longer than the supragenital plate with distinctly pointed tips; (2) supragenital plate quadrangular with a distinct round dorsal protrusion; (3) a vulvar scale with a small median lobe. Results of phylogenetic species delimitation support monophyly of Drusus sharrensis sp. n. and recover it as sister to a clade comprising (Drusus pelasgus Oláh, 2010 + Drusus juliae + Drusus arbanios Oláh, 2010 + Drusus plicatus + (Drusus dacothracus Oláh, 2010 + Drusus illyricus Oláh, 2010)). The new species is a micro-endemic of the Sharr Mountains, a main biodiversity hotspot in the Balkan Peninsula. Main threats to the aquatic ecosystems of this part of the Balkan Peninsula are discussed.

In this study we present morphological, molecular and ecological features of the last instar larvae of Drusus bosnicus with data about distribution of this species in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We also included are the most important diagnostic features enabling separation of larvae of D. bosnicus from larvae of the other European Drusinae and Trichoptera species.

Adults and larvae of two new cryptic, endemic caddisflies, Ecclisopteryx keroveci sp.n. and Ecclisopteryx ivkae sp.n., are described and illustrated from the Western Balkans. Phylogenetic analysis (Bayesian MCMCMC) and association of different life history stages in both cryptic species were achieved through comparison of morphological characters and mitochondrial (mtCOI and mtLSU) and nuclear (nuWG) gene sequence data. The new species form a sister clade to the widely distributed E. dalecarlica and E. guttulata, with which they were formerly misidentified. Adults differ from each other and other species in the genus by the uniquely shaped inferior appendages in males and segment X in females. The larvae differ from each other and their congeners in the shape of the pronotum, and presence and constitution of additional spines on the parietalia. Larvae of both species are grazers and prefer stony substrate. Ecclisopteryx keroveci sp.n. has a wide distribution in the Western Balkans, while E. ivkae sp.n. is endemic to Dalmatia. Our findings demonstrate the significance of the Western Balkans as a freshwater biodiversity hotspot, and accentuate the importance of research focused on freshwater biodiversity and biogeography in southern Europe.

In contrast to the Apennine Peninsula coast, the relatively rare occurrence of sea lampreys Petromyzon marinus in the Balkan Peninsula (eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea) is probably due to the closeness of the steep mountains causing unsuitable hydrological conditions of streams and impeded access to the coast. Most specimens are probably represented by invaders carried from the Mediterranean and other regions of the Adriatic Sea. Morphology was similar to that recorded for the sea lampreys from other geographical regions.

The caddisfly subfamily Drusinae BANKS comprises roughly 100 species inhabiting mountain ranges in Europe, Asia Minor and the Caucasus. A 3-gene phylogeny of the subfamily previously identified three major clades that were corroborated by larval morphology and feeding ecologies: scraping grazers, omnivorous shredders and filtering carnivores. Larvae of filtering carnivores exhibit unique head capsule complexities, unknown from other caddisfly larvae. Here we assess the species-level relationships within filtering carnivores, hypothesizing that head capsule complexity is derived from simple shapes observed in the other feeding groups. We summarize the current systematics and taxonomy of the group, clarify the systematic position of Cryptothrix nebulicola, and present a larval key to filtering carnivorous Drusinae. We infer relationships of all known filtering carnivorous Drusinae and 34 additional Drusinae species using Bayesian species tree analysis and concatenated Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of 3805bp of sequence data from six gene regions (mtCOI5-P, mtCOI3-P, 16S mrDNA, CADH, WG, 28S nrDNA), morphological cladistics from 308 characters, and a total evidence analysis. All analyses support monophyly of the three feeding ecology groups but fail to fully resolve internal relationships. Within filtering carnivores, variation in head setation and frontoclypeus structure may be associated with progressive niche adaptation, with less complex species recovered at a basal position. We propose that diversification of complex setation and frontoclypeus shape represents a recent evolutionary development, hypothetically enforcing speciation and niche specificity within filtering carnivorous Drusinae.

In this paper an annotated checklist of Croatian riffle beetles is presented. It is a result of a literature review, revision of museum collections, implementation of results from various environmental impact and baseline studies, as well as field investigations throughout Croatia from 2002–2013. Altogether 23 species in eight genera of Elmidae were identified. Five species are new for the Croatian fauna: Elmis rioloides (Kuwert 1890), Esolus angustatus (Müller 1821), E. pygmaeus (Müller 1806), Oulimnius tuberculatus (Müller 1806) and Stenelmis consobrina Dufour 1835. Furthermore, the occurrence of Elmis aenea (Müller 1806) in Croatia is confirmed., U ovom je radu dat popis slapoljuba Hrvatske s napomenama o njihovoj biologiji i staništima u Hrvatskoj. Rezultat je pregleda literature, uvida u muzejske zbirke, implementacije rezultata stručnih studija i elaborata, kao i prikupljanja vodenih kornjaša tijekom raznih terenskih istraživanja duž Hrvatske u razdoblju od 2002. do 2013. godine. Ukupno su utvrđene 23 vrste slapoljuba s pet novih vrsta za faunu Hrvatske: Elmis rioloides (Kuwert 1890), Esolus angustatus (Müller 1821), E. pygmaeus (Müller 1806), Oulimnius tuberculatus (Müller 1806) i Stenelmis consobrina Dufour 1835. Potvrđena je i prisutnost vrste Elmis aenea (Müller 1806) u Hrvatskoj.

The paper discusses the biological and ecological characteristics and distribution of 12 caddisfly species that have been ascertained to be rare, or even discovered for the first time, in Croatia: Rhyacophila palmeni, R. vulgaris, Glosossoma conformis, Wormaldia pulla, Hydroptila forcipata, Plectrocnemia geniculata, Micrasema minimum, Limnephilus graecus, Ceraclea riparia, Oecetis notata, Setodes punctatus and S. bulgaricus. Of these, the species that have been newly established for Croatia are: Plectrocnemia geniculata, Ceraclea riparia, Oecetis notata and Setodes bulgaricus, while the presence of the species Rhyacophila vulgaris, Micrasema minimum and Setodes punctatus has been established with confidence in the Croatian fauna for the first time (precise data of localities).

The caddisfly species Beraea dira McLachlan 1875 was recorded for the first time in Croatia in the upper course of the Bistrac River in October 2014., Tular Beraea dira McLachlan 1875 je po prvi put utvrđen na području Hrvatske u gornjem toku rijeke Bistrac u listopadu 2014. godine.

In this paper an annotated checklist of Croatian riffle beetles is presented. It is a result of a literature review, revision of museum collections, implementation of results from various environmental impact and baseline studies, as well as field investigations throughout Croatia from 2002–2013. Altogether 23 species in eight genera of Elmidae were identified. Five species are new for the Croatian fauna: Elmis rioloides (Kuwert 1890), Esolus angustatus (Müller 1821), E. pygmaeus (Müller 1806), Oulimnius tuberculatus (Müller 1806) and Stenelmis consobrina Dufour 1835. Furthermore, the occurrence of Elmis aenea (Müller 1806) in Croatia is confirmed.

Croatobranchus mestrovi is a troglobitic leech from deep shaft-like caves in the Velebit Mountain, Dinaric karst, Croatia, living in cold (4–6 °C) water. Its oral sucker extends to form four pairs of triangular tentacles, each with about five finger-like papillae, but widening into a marginally crenulated disc when attached to a substrate. Pairs of stiff, finger-like lateral projections, probably gills, occur along the body behind the clitellum. Somites are simple five-annulate. Despite the unique head morphology and the presence of lateral outgrowths, the anatomy and 18S rRNA gene sequence of this species indicate that it is a member of the Erpobdellidae, closely related to Dina.

In the spring area of the Una River the caddisfly Drusus vespertinus Marinković-Gospodnetić, 1976, which belongs to the Drusus bosnicus group, was recorded for the first time in Croatia. This is the first finding of the Drusus bosnicus group species in Croatia. This paper presents the diversity, distribution and ecology of the genus Drusus in Croatia and in the Dinaric karst on the Balkan Peninsula. Additionally, in this paper we describe the female of Drusus vespertinus., Na izvorišnom području rijeke Une zabilježena je u stadiju adulta i ličinke vrsta Drusus vespertinus Marinković-Gospodnetić, 1976, koja pripada Drusus bosnicus grupi. Ovo je prvi nalaz neke od vrsta Drusus bosnicus grupe u Hrvatskoj. U radu se prikazuje raznolikost, rasprostranjenost i ekologija roda Drusus u Hrvatskoj i u dinarskom kršu Balkanskog poluotoka. Također, u radu se daje opis ženke vrste Drusus vespertinus.

The species Cacyreus marshalli was introduced into Europe from South Africa in 1978. In Croatia its presence was noted for the first time in 2009 in Mali Lošinj. Previous research has recorded this species at around 20 localities. The present paper gives new records of the species Geranium Bronze from 28 localities in the Mediterranean part of Croatia with some data regarding its ecology and ethology. The known margin of the distribution area of C. marsahalli in Croatia has expanded by around 50 kilometres to the south-east to the islands Korčula and Lastovo and in inland to the Pelješac peninsula. The Geranium Bronze has not been recorded in the continental and central mountain part of Croatia, but was for the first time recorded on Mt. Učka, on 934 meters a.s.l., Cacyreus marshalli je vrsta introducirana na područje Europe 1978. godine s područja južne Afrike. Na području Hrvatske prvi put je zabilježena 2009. godine u Malom Lošinju. Dosadašnjim istraživanjima bila je zabilježena na području Hrvatske na 20-ak lokaliteta. Ovim radom daju se novi nalazi pelargonijinog plavca na 28 lokaliteta u mediteranskom dijelu Hrvatske te neki podaci o njegovoj ekologiji i etologiji na području Hrvatske. Granica areala C. marshalli proširena je na području Hrvatske za 50-ak km prema jugoistoku i sada su to otoci Korčula i Lastovo i na kopnu poluotok Pelješac. Pelargonijev plavac nije utvrđen u kontinentalnom ni središnje planinskom području Hrvatske, ali je po prvi put zabilježen na Učki na 934 metra nadmorske visine.

The invasive fish species Neogobius fluviatilis was recorded at one locality on each of the two investigated rivers, Una and Kupa. The expansion of this species in Bosnia and Herzegovina is presented, as well as the habitat characteristics of the locality on the Una River. Additionally, a list of the associated fish fauna at both localities is given: 18 and 29 additional fish species were recorded for the Una and Kupa Rivers, respectively., Tijekom istraživanja ihtiofaune nizinskih rijeka Hrvatske, na jednom lokalitetu istraživanog područja rijeke Une i jednom lokalitetu područja rijeke Kupe zabilježena je invanzivna riblja vrsta, Neogobius fluviatilis. Daje se osvrt na širenje te vrste u Bosni i Hercegovini i Hrvatskoj te značajke staništa na rijeci Uni na kojoj je zabilježena. Također, daje se popis utvrđenih vrsta riba na oba lokaliteta, za rijeku Unu 18, a za rijeku Kupu 29 vrsta.

The paper gives the first record of Antitype suda (Geyer, 1832) a species from the Noctuidae family, newly recorded for the fauna of Croatia, with data and localities, species distribution data and biological features., Rad donosi prvi nalaz vrste Antitype suda (Geyer, 1832) iz porodice sovica (Noctuidae) za faunu Hrvatske, s datumima i lokalitetima na kojima je sakupljena. Navode se i podaci o distribuciji vrste i njene biološke značajke.

We present the first preliminary inventory of Trichoptera taxa in the Aegean and Adriatic Sea basins in Kosovo that have previously received poor and fragmentary attention. Adult caddisflies were collected using ultraviolet (UV) light traps in 13 stations in areas of the Aegean Sea and Adriatic Sea drainage basins in Kosovo. Nineteen species out of 82, reported in this article, are first records for the Kosovo caddisfly fauna. Five genera are recorded for the first time in Kosovo: Brachycentrus , Ecclisopteryx, Psilopteryx , Thremma , and Oecetis . During this investigation, we found several Southeastern European endemic and rare species whose previous known distribution was limited to particular areas of this region, as well as other species whose distribution is considerably enlarged by this investigation: Polycentropus ierapetra , Polycentropus irroratus , Chaetopteryx stankovici , Drusus schmidi , Drusus tenellus , Potamophylax goulandriourum , Oecetis notata , and Notidobia melanoptera . Even though this article is a result of a limited sampling effort, it increases the number of Trichoptera taxa recorded for the Republic of Kosovo to 131.