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Palud is a natural depression in the southwest of the Istrian peninsula (N Adriatic Sea, Croatia), situated by the sea and transformed into a marsh by the inflow of water from the adjacent hills. At the beginning of the 20th century, the marsh was connected to the sea by an artificially dug channel to control mosquitoes (vectors of malaria). This led to the brackish conditions in the marsh. The objective of this pilot-study was to investigate the rotifer community composition in Palud Marsh during the summer of 2021. Zooplankton samples were collected at two-week intervals during July 2021 at the four sampling sites that extend along the Palud salinity gradient. Water physicochemical factors analysis showed a significant trend along the salinity gradient indicating a decrease in plankton productivity in July, likely caused by a decrease in Palud water depth due to runoff from the marsh to the sea. Only a very small number of taxa (6) were found in the plankton. Rotifers were represented by three taxa (Brachionus plicatilis, Encentrum sp., Lecane lunaris). Of all individuals recorded, 97.3% belonged to B. plicatilis, a cosmopolitan eurythermal species and a halobiont (i.e., it prefers saline shallow waters and lagoons). This pilot-study was the first step in assessing the ecological conditions of Palud Marsh. Further studies are necessary to develop effective conservation measures for this protected habitat, which was declared a special ornithological reserve in 2001.

Iris L. is a very diverse genus with over 300 taxa distributed worldwide. It is an important horticultural genus of vascular plants long present in European wild habitats and home gardens. Recently, several species have been identified to contain potential pharmacological compounds, further emphasising the need for conservation. A study of phylogenetic relationships of Iris species has been complicated due to extreme morpho-ecological diversity, wide distribution, multiple hybridizations, and convergent evolution processes in the genus. The objectives of the present study were: (i) to characterize the existing Iris germplasm through nuclear (SSR) markers and (ii) to clarify the genetic divergence between several wild (local endemic) and cultivated populations through chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) markers in order to provide insights into phylogenetic relationships of Iris spp. occurring in Croatia and Slovenia. Thanks to our field research and collaboration with national botanical gardens in Zagreb (Croatia) and Ljubljana (Slovenia), we gathered a set of 32 Iris samples growing across the region. Among the collected samples we analysed 12 specimens of the endemic Iris adriatica Trinajstić ex Mitić, a strictly endemic Croatian rhizomatous dwarf plant from the I. pumila complex. All samples were genotyped using eight SSR markers which were able to identify a total of 71 alleles. The observed number of alleles per locus ranged from 6 (at locus IM123) to 12 (at loci IM196 and IM327) with an average of 8.8 alleles per locus. The UPGMA clustering analysis discriminated 28 genotypes and revealed three distinct groups of samples. All samples of I. adriatica were clustered in the same group. The maximum likelihood analysis was employed in reconstructing phylogenetic relationships of a heterogeneous group of Iris species based on two plastid markers (rpoC1, ndhJ). Results obtained in this study could contribute to the knowledge of taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus Iris L. in the Mediterranean and Alpine-Dinaric area. Additionally, we hope that our results will help in further understanding the importance of wild Iris species and encourage their more intensive conservation efforts.

Microplastics represent one of the most significant environmental issues in today’s world. In addition to mechanical damage, microplastics can have deleterious effects on organisms due to the leaching of residual monomers, oligomers, and additives but also as vectors for other pollutants that may be simultaneously present in urban wastewater streams. Thus, the effects of two microplastics, polystyrene (PS ; 10 μm) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA ; 10 μm) with either adsorbed bactericidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs ; 40 nm) or the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin (Cyp), on fertilisation and embryogenesis in the sea urchin Arbacia lixula were investigated. Physicochemical analysis indicated high concentrations of AgNPs and Cyp adsorbed on the microplastics. Adsorbed AgNPs (10 and 50 μg/L) or Cyp (10 and 1000 μg/L) on either of the two microplastics (50 mg/L) did not significantly affect either the embryonal development of the treated zygotes or the fertilisation ability of pre-treated sperm. However, a modest reduction in the quality of the offspring of pre-treated sperm was noted, suggesting transmissible damage to the embryos. The unexpectedly low toxicity of AgNPs and Cyp may derive from the sequestration of these toxicants, including silver ions released from the AgNPs, by the polymer microparticles. Interestingly, while ingestion of virgin microparticles was noted, for embryos co-exposed to AgNPs and microparticles no such ingestion was observed. While antagonistic effects may be ascribed to reduced toxicity of surface adsorbed AgNPs, the cause of reduced ingestion is less clear and may be related to mechanisms that suppress feeding rather than the ability to differentiate between microplastics and natural food.

Na Zemlji postoji mnogo vrsta kukaca koji su kroz različite aspekte svoga ponašanja značajni ljudima. Kao takvi ne predstavljaju prijetnju poljoprivrednoj proizvodnji, gospodarstvu ili javnom zdravlju. Zovemo ih korisnim kukcima jer oprašuju biljke, rahle tlo, razlažu organske tvari, produciraju hranjive tvari i prirodni su neprijatelji mnogih biljnih štetnika. S druge strane, za čovjeka štetni kukci jesu prvenstveno one vrste koje se hrane poljoprivrednim ili šumskim kulturama, ali i javnozdravstveno značajne vrste kukaca koje ometaju ljude u svakodnevnim aktivnostima te im nanose štetu. U posljednjih tridesetak godina u svijetu je zabilježen drastičan pad raznolikosti i brojnosti kukaca. Jedan od razloga za to svakako je aplikacija pesticida u okoliš. Također, neprimjerenim korištenjem insekticida provedbom javnozdravstvenih mjera moguće je ugroziti neciljane i korisne vrste kukaca kao što su različite vrste oprašivača, s posebnim naglaskom na medonosne pčele. Opasnost prijeti kukcima i prilikom tretiranja stabala protiv lisnih i štitastih ušiju u vrijeme kada su i one same korisne jer izlučuju mednu rosu. Iako su obveze korisnika pesticida jasno propisane zakonom, na terenu se često događaju slučajevi trovanja korisnih kukaca kao posljedice provedbe dezinsekcijskih mjera. Smanjenje rizika stradavanja neciljanih i korisnih kukaca može se postići temeljitom pripremom prije samog postupka primjene pesticida i uspostavom dobre koordinacije svih dionika u postupku, s posebnim naglaskom na direktnu komunikaciju između korisnika pesticida i pčelarskog sektora..

Temeljem inicijative Hrvatskog zavoda za javno zdravstvo u 2016. godini je započeta, a tijekom 2017. i 2018. godine nastavljena na području cijele Hrvatske provedba nacionalnog monitoringa invazivnih vrsta komaraca kroz mrežu županijskih zavoda za javno zdravstvo i u suradnji s Odjelom za biologiju Sveučilišta u Osijeku. Determinacija komaraca je provedena u Zagrebu, Puli, Splitu, Rijeci i Osijeku. Ovipozicijskim klopkama su od svibnja do studenog 2018. dva puta mjesečno prikupljani podaci o nalazima invazivnih komaraca roda Aedes, osobito u područjima za koje nisu postojali podaci. Ovipozicijske klopke su relativno jednostavna i jeftina metoda za nadzor i rano otkrivanje invazivnih vrsta komaraca na mjestima ulaska. Podaci o zastupljenosti komaraca na području Hrvatske služe za izradu karte rasprostranjenosti žarišta, izradu jedinstvene nacionalne baze podataka te procjenu rizika za vektorske zarazne bolesti. Provedeni nacionalni monitoring u 2018. godini potvrdio je prisutnost azijskog tigrastog komarca - Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1895) u svim županijama, osim u Varaždinskoj županiji koja nije sudjelovala u monitoringu. Također potvrđen je nalaz komarca Aedes (Finlaya) japonicus japonicus (Theobald) u županijama gdje tijekom 2017. godine nije bio zabilježen. Postojeći uvjeti potrebni za razvoj i razmnožavanje te prisutni vektorski potencijal determiniranih komaraca uz eventualnu pojavnost uzročnika mogu imati značajan utjecaj na širenje zaraznih bolesti. Prekomjerna brojnost jedinki komaraca zbog povoljnih životnih uvjeta, kao i zbog povećanih migracija ljudi te transporta roba, postaje sve izraženiji problem za ljudsko zdravlje te je potrebno osvijestiti javnost o važnosti i načinima sprječavanja razmnožavanja i širenja komaraca. Provedba nacionalnog monitoringa je odličan primjer suradnje gotovo svih uključenih institucija u Hrvatskoj.

Iris adriatica Trinajstić ex Mitić is a strictly endemic rhizomatous dwarf plant from the I. pumila complex first described in 2002. As an endemic species it is confined to a few Croatian localities in the wider area of Dalmatia (recorded 1980) and the island of Cres (recorded 2014) in the Northern Adriatic. Iris adriatica is classified as a NT (near threatened) species in the IUCN Croatian Red Book of Vascular plants. Recent metabolic profiling of the species revealed a great pharmacological and chemotaxonomic potential with notable diversity between the ecotypes. Despite potential medical applications, the Iris genus has garnered little to no attention from the scientific community as it has mainly been exploited for horticultural purposes. Many of the species, including I. adriatica, have only been taxonomically classified using traditional taxonomical methods of observation and comparison. In the present study we aim to describe the EST-SSR microsatellite profile of the collected I. adriatica samples utilizing eight Iris specific markers. The collected samples cover the known distribution areas and help explore the genetic relationship between the Dalmatia and Cres ecotype localities. Additionally, we aim to expand the available Iris SSR profiles by also characterizing Iris lutescens and Iris pumila. The objective of the study was to provide an insight into the genetic diversity of endemic Iris adriatica along the Eastern coast of the Adriatic.

Mediterranean coastal and islands region abounds in small and shallow, mainly temporary freshwater ponds which have been rare subject of a scientific topic for a long time. They represent unique habitats in dry and arid climate inhabited numerous species, especially invertebrates with a short life cycle and can be rapidly colonized during the flooding season. Impact of benthic invertebrate predators and fish on zooplankton was assessed in the island freshwater ponds (island Korčula), and this is one of the first data for these habitats in the eastern Adriatic coast. The goals of this study were to investigate: i) interaction among benthic invertebrates, fish and zooplankton ; and ii) difference in shelter selection, bottom sediment vs. macrophytes. Analysis of ecosystem functioning shows decreased abundance of planktonic crustaceans in ponds with low macrophyte coverage, and vice versa, which highlighted role of macrophyte for zooplankton refuge against predators (acari, heteropterans, fish). Results suggest that macrophyte can serve as shelter for zooplankton, but in the case of high macrophyte abundance and numerous benthic invertebrate predators, role of macrophyte shelter is diminish, and zooplankton probably found refuge in sediment. This is confirmed by increased abundance, especially cladocerans, in the sediment. Through the dual impact of predators and low macrophyte coverage, as well as huge impact of benthic invertebrates among macrophytes, sediment was an efficient refuge for zooplankton. Interaction between predators (benthic invertebrates and fish) and zooplankton displayed higher complexity along habitat heterogeneity, while zooplankton share an important fraction in food resources among the trophic network.

The mosquitoes (Culicidae) represent a frequently investigated group of insects within the order (Diptera) precisely because they are human and animal disease vectors. Mosquito identification is therefore a key step in developing vector control strategies. To achieve more precise identification, morphological methods should be complemented with molecular methods of identification. DNA barcoding is a worldwide method of biodiversity recognition and the world's base is continually being supplemented. Currently, the most commonly used barcode region is a 50-segment of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI). DNA based identification makes it possible to use sequence data in order to determine the species and their sub-species. Fifty-three species of mosquitoes have been recorded in Croatia so far. Determining the genetic status of this insect group will be of great taxonomic, phylogenetic and phylogeographic importance since Croatia stands out for its diversity of habitats that affect genetic diversity. During the project "DNA Barcoding of the Croatian Fauna" mosquitoes were sampled from the continental, alpine and Mediterranean regions of Croatia in the mosquito seasons of 2017. and 2018. Within the sampled mosquitoes twenty-four species have been determined and molecularly identified. We expect that by the end of this project we will have conducted DNA barcoding of as many species in Croatia. We intend to find cryptic and sibling species in the field (such as Anopheles maculipennis complex and Culex pipiens complex) to resolve genetic similarity. The results of this project will provide more knowledge about genetic diversity in relation to geographical distribution. Also, these results will contribute to complementing the world’s DNA base (BOLD and NCBI).

Inicijativom Hrvatskog zavoda za javno zdravstvo u 2016. godini je započet, a tijekom 2017. i 2018. nastavljen nacionalni monitoring invazivnih vrsta komaraca. Determinacija komaraca je provedena u Zagrebu, Puli, Splitu, Rijeci i Osijeku. Ovipozicijskim klopkama su od svibnja do studenog, dva puta mjesečno prikupljani podaci o nalazima invazivnih komaraca roda Aedes, osobito u područjima za koje nisu postojali podaci. Ovipozicijske klopke su relativno jednostavna i jeftina metoda za nadzor i rano otkrivanje invazivnih vrsta komaraca na mjestima ulaska. Podaci o zastupljenosti komaraca na području Hrvatske služe za izradu karte 13. HBK 175 13th CBC rasprostranjenosti žarišta, izradu jedinstvene nacionalne baze podataka te procjenu rizika za vektorske zarazne bolesti. Provedeni nacionalni monitoring potvrdio je prisutnost azijskog tigrastog komarca - Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1895) u svim županijama. Potvrđen je i nalaz komarca Aedes (Finlaya) japonicus japonicus (Theobald) u županijama gdje tijekom 2016. nije bio zabilježen. Postojeći uvjeti potrebni za razvoj i razmnožavanje te prisutni vektorski potencijal determiniranih komaraca uz eventualnu pojavnost uzročnika mogu imati značajan utjecaj na širenje zaraznih bolesti. Prekomjerna brojnost jedinki komaraca postaje sve izraženiji problem za ljudsko zdravlje te je potrebno osvijestiti javnost o važnosti i načinima sprječavanja razmnožavanja i širenja komaraca. Provedba monitoringa je odličan primjer suradnje uključenih institucija.

U radu su prikazana iskustva s invazivnim vrstama na području Istre zadnjih godina. Prikazana su istraživanja identifikacije Gambusia holbrooki i Cinara cedri primjenom DNA analiza te praćenja invazivnih vrsta: azijske božje ovčice, invazivnih vrsta komaraca, pajasena i morskih rebraša. Centar za invazivne vrste osnovan u Institutu za poljoprivredu i turizam, u suradnji s Zavodom za javno zdravstvo Istarske županije prati pojavnost i brojnost invazivnih vrsta na području Istre s naglaskom na vrste koje mogu utjecati na zdravlje ljudi.

Opnokrilci, posebno pčele, bumbari, ose i stršljeni, utječu na niz ljudskih aktivnosti u području očuvanja okoliša, šumarstva, pčelarstva, hortikulture i javnoga zdravlja. Suživot s njima je moguć uz povremenu primjenu mjera zaštite od istih, a radi izbjegavanja neželjenih posljedica po zdravlje ljudi.

Determination of mosquitoes, together with geographic distribution, are key steps in developing vector control strategies. The mosquito identification mainly relies on morphological identification of specimens using dichotomous keys. The biggest disadvantage of this type of identification is that mosquito scales can be easily rubbed off or are often damaged when they are collected or carelessly stored. It can also be problematic when distinguishing morphologically similar species. DNA barcoding is a worldwide method of biodiversity recognition and the world‟s base is continually being supplemented. Mitochondrial genes have become the primary molecular tool for analyzing genetic diversity in mosquitoes. Currently, the most commonly used barcode region is a 50-segment of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI). DNA based identification makes it possible to use sequence data in order to determine the species and their sub-species. Fifty-three species of mosquitoes have been recorded in Croatia so far. Determining the genetic status of this insect group will be of great taxonomic, phylogenetic and phylogeographic importance since Croatia stands out for its diversity of habitats that affect genetic diversity. During the project “DNA Barcoding of the Croatian Fauna” mosquitoes were sampled from the continental, alpine and Mediterranean regions of Croatia in mosquito seasons in 2017. and 2018. Within the sampled mosquitoes twenty- three species have been determined and molecularly identified, including two invasive mosquito species Aedes japonicus in the continental and alpine regions and Aedes albopictus in the continental and Mediterranean region of Croatia. We expect that by the end of this project we will have barcoded as much as possible of the known species in Croatia, established their systematic membership and complemented the world base (BOLD and GenBank).

Citizen science defined as the involvement of the wider public in science has been repeatedly used to gather valuable data on invasive species. Its effects bring benefits to scientists, volunteers as well as generally to contribute to our knowledge of invasive plant species distribution. Invasive species are considered mostly a consequence of globalisation, and they may spread into new environments intentionally and accidentally. Their inventarisation and management requires high financial and human resources with often uncertain outcome. Citizen science has a huge potential to confront these problems. General public involvement, accompanied with systematic training, enables more complex biological recording and collection of larger environmental datasets. Moreover, coordination of the local population will create new approaches for garden-use practices and social behaviour that will result in long-term environmental improvements and ultimately prevent unintended negative ecological consequences. Croatia has in recent decades, undergone radical changes in its nature protection models. Approaches to environmental management have shifted from a traditional centralised system to a community-oriented and holistic way. The present paper has the aim to describe the case study of bottom up invasive species management approach in the City of Poreč and Istrian County, Croatia. Invasive Species Centre was initiated in 2015 by scientists who engaged the local community and by a still ongoing participative ecological project involving local and national bodies and educational institutions. Local residents are strongly invited to actively participate in the problem identification, data gathering and processing, and decision making. The project is resulting in the involvement of an extended stakeholders consortium and the preparation of a long-term regional invasive risk management plan. This is possible only with the collaboration of local and national authorities, scientists, citizens, and teachers, and its success is measured through their interest and involvement in future monitoring and management actions.

Iris adriatica Trinajstić ex Mitić is the strictly endemic rhizomatous dwarf plant from the I. pumila complex, first recorded and described in 2002 in Croatia. Due to its small, lately decreased or disappearing populations, I. adriatica belongs to the NT (near threatened) IUCN category in the Croatian Red Book of Vascular Plants. Recent metabolic profiling of this species revealed its great pharmacological potential and chemotaxonomic relevance. So far, its recorded presence has been limited to the few locations in central Dalmatia (Croatia). Here we present the new records of I. adriatica on the Island Cres in North Adriatic. Two new locations were identified: one in the area of Srem, on the north of the church St. Mihovil (155 MASL) and the other, small population in the area of Jelovica, around the church of St. Juraj (141 MASL), which is the northernmost, so far confirmed record of this species in the Republic of Croatia.

Provedeni nacionalni monitoring potvrdio je prisutnost azijskog tigrastog komarca (Aedes albopictus) u svim županijama, osim u Sisačko- moslavačkoj gdje nije zabilježen i u Požeško- slavonskoj županiji koja nije sudjelovala u monitoringu.

Since the first record of Aedes albopictus in Croatia in 2004, we have recorded its rapid spreading along the Adriatic coast. Within 5 years this black and white mosquito occupied almost all the Adriatic coast including many islands. With appearance of the tiger mosquito, after almost 60-year period, mosquitoes are again playing a role of infectious diseases vectors in Croatia as it is confirmed as vector of dengue virus in Croatia, 2010. Given that Croatia has a long history of monitoring and mosquito control, with the well-regulated underlying legislation, the need of establishing national monitoring of invasive species was necessary. Monitoring was conducted by the Croatian Institute of Public Health (through network of public health institutes of counties) and the Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Department of Biology. For monitoring standard ovitrap method was used. Ovitraps were placed at the points of entry of this invasive species, mostly in continental Croatia where lack of data exists. Ovitrap data were collected weekly from May to October 2016. Aedes albopictus was noted in 19 out of 21 counties in Croatia, while in comparison, the first occurrences of this species were noted only in 7 counties (Međimurska, Varaždinska, Koprivničko-Križevačka, Virovitčko-Podravska, Vukovarsko-Srijemska, Brodsko-Posavska and Karlovačka county). Only in Sisačko-Moslavačka county this mosquito was not noted.

Crna udovica Latrodectus tredecimguttatus nastanjuje južni dio Europe i Azije, a u Hrvatskoj je prisutna u Istri, Primorju, nekim otocima i Dalmaciji. Zbog svog jakog otrova spada među najotrovnije pauke. Detaljan opis različitih staništa i populacija za područje mediteranske Hrvatske do sada nije rađen. U ovom istraživanju se uz pomoć novijih znanstvenih metoda, npr. primjenom data loggera za mjerenje mikroklimatskih uvjeta u staništu, te analizom prehrambenih navika želi doznati više o načinu života ove vrste na različitim staništima u Hrvatskoj. Istraživanjem se provjeravaju svi literaturni nalazi u svrhu njihove potvrde te utvrđuju nova staništa na kojima je zabilježena, kao i određeni ekološki čimbenici prezimljavanja adultnih ženki. Kao zasebni segment ovog doktorskog rada, na temelju analize mitohondrijskog DNA biljega, istražuje se genetska raznolikost i filogeografska struktura vrste na području cijelog hrvatskog priobalja i nekih otoka. Mediterranean Black widow Latrodectus tredecimguttatus inhabits the southern part of Europe and Asia. In Croatia it is present in Istria, Primorje region, some islands and Dalmatia. Because of its strong venom black widow is one of the most poisonous spiders. Description has not been researched of the various habitats and populations in the Croatian coast. The aim of this study is to learn more about the life of species in different habitats using new scientific methods such as data loggers for measuring microclimate conditions in habitat and analysis of dietary habits. The study checks previous literature as well as it determines new habitats on witch the subject was noted. It also defines specific ecological factors about wintering of adult females. Based on mitochondrial genetic marker, genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of the species will be estimated throughout its distribution area along the eastern Adriatic coast and some of the islands.

Crna udovica vrste Latrodectus tredecimguttatus rasprostranjena je na području južne Europe i dijela azijskog kontinenta. Do sada nije rađena molekularno-genetička analiza crne udovice na našem području. Za potrebe filogeografske analize prikupljeni su uzorci s 20 lokaliteta s najvećeg dijela područja rasprostranjenja vrste u Hrvatskoj. Analizirani su i uzorci s dva lokaliteta sa područja Bosne i Hercegovine (Široki Brijeg-Ljuti Dolac i Neumski Gradac), dva s područja Makedonije (Osogovo i Prilep) te jednog lokaliteta iz Italije (Monte Fasce). Filogeografska analiza temeljena je na dijelu mitohondrijskog gena za podjedinicu I citokrom oksidaze (COI). Tri dodatne COI sekvence vrste Latrodectus tredecimguttatus iz Irana i Izraela preuzete su iz banke gena. Filogenetske analize ukazale su na postojanje dvije odijeljene genetičke linije, Sjeverozapadne (SZ) i Jugoistočne (JI). Haplotipovi SZ linije nađeni su, uz jedan izuzetak, isključivo u Istri, Kvarneru i Italiji, dok su JI haplotipovi rasprostranjeni u cijelom analiziranom dijelu areala, s izuzetkom Italije. Rezultati ukazuju da je područje Hrvatske postglacijalno naseljeno ovom vrstom iz dva smjera.

In relation to human's health, mosquitoes are of public health importance as infectious disease vectors or as a nuisance. From 2010 and first appearance of indigenous dengue fever and in 2012 with indigenous cases of neuroinvasive disease caused by West Nile virus, mosquitoes are playing a role of infectious diseases vectors. Given that Croatia has a long history of monitoring and control of mosquitoes, with the well- regulated underlying legislation, the above situations are managed in a timely manner and according to the rules of the profession. Monitoring was conducted by Croatian Institute of Public Health through the network of county public health institutes and in cooperation with Department of Biology University of Osijek in Croatia. Determination was performed in Zagreb, Pula, Split and Osijek. Ovitrap breeding data were collected weekly from May to October 2016 for detecting invasive Aedes species in areas where no data is available and in risk areas when there is a danger of high mosquito density. The ovitraps are relatively simple and inexpensive method for surveillance and early detecting of introduction of invasive mosquito species at points of entry. Data will be used for vector surveillance and risk assessment of the disease. Locations of the ovitraps will be recorded using Google maps application. This analysis could be used to plan vector surveillance and control operations. Implementation of national mosquito monitoring is an excellent example of cooperation of all involved institutions in Croatia.

U radu su prikazani slučajevi povećane brojnosti azijskih božjih ovčica, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773), na području Istre, Dalmacije, Like, Primorja, Gorskog kotara i sjeverozapadnoj Hrvatskoj tijekom jesenskog razdoblja 2015. godine. Napravljena je karta zabilježenih masovnih pojava pred zimu, a opisane su i prve alergijske reakcije uslijed kontakta s ovom vrstom. Vjerojatno je bilo i više takvih slučajeva, ali su ostali neprepoznati što upućuje na potrebu dodatne edukacije.

U radu je prikazana pojavnost organizama koji se rijetko pojavljuju i teže su prepoznatljivi kod rutinskog pregleda objekta. Zbog sličnosti s nekim štetnicima, koji su učestaliji u praksi, pristup njihovom suzbijanju može od početka biti usmjeren u krivom pravcu. Navedene su pojave kornjaša roda Mezium i Gibbium (Spider beetles) koje još možemo nazvati paukoliki kornjaši, kornjaša roda Anthrenus (Carpet beetles) i skokuni (Collembola). Svi navedeni slučajevi su morali proći determinaciju u entomološkom laboratoriju kako bi problem bio uspješno riješen.

Azijski tigar komarac Aedes albopictus je invazivna vrsta koja se širi svijetom u posljednja tri desetljeća. Prvi nalaz u Europi zabilježen je u Albaniji 1975. Prvi nalaz u Hrvatskoj bio je u Zagrebu 2004. godine u odbačenoj WC školjki. Tijekom 2005 jedinke ove vrste zabilježene su u nekoliko mjesta u Istri, Zadru, Splitu i Dubrovniku. Širenje na otoke bilo je vrlo brzo, od 2006 ovaj komarac naselio je: Vis, Hvar, Brač, Mljet, Cres, Lošinj i Krk. Tijekom 2010 zabilježena je Denge infekcija kod tri osobe na Pelješcu, a smatra se da je Ae. albopictus bio vektor. Ovo su prvi autohtoni slučajevi prenosa virusa u Hrvatskoj, iako analizom nije utvrđeno prisustvo virusa u uzorkovanim komarcima. Osim na području jadranskog priobalja ova vrsta je zabilježena u kontinentalnoj Hrvatskoj (Krapina), a jedna jedinka je zabilježena tijekom redovitog monitoringa u Osijeku. Aedes japonicus je još jedna invazivna vrsta komaraca koja je zabilježena u Francuskoj, Belgiji a nešto kasnije u Njemačkoj, Austriji i Sloveniji. Prvi nalaz u Hrvatskoj je iz 2013. kada je zabilježena ovipozicijskim klopkama u Đurmancu i na graničnom prijelazu Macelj prema Sloveniji. Ličinke su pronađene u vazama i fontanama na groblju. Ova vrsta se širi sporo, te očekujemo da će se proširiti na cijelu kontinentalnu Hrvatsku. Jedina prepreka je vrijeme.

Razmjeri elementarne nesreće bili su takvi da je Hrvatski zavod za javno zdrav- stvo (HZJZ) prvi put u 20 godina 21. svibnja predložio ministru zdravlja donošenje Odluke o proglašenju stanja opasnosti od epidemi- je zaraznih bolesti za područje Vukovarsko- srijemske i Brodsko-posavske županije i za dijelove Požeško-slavonske i Sisačko-mosla- vačke županije. Tom je odlukom utvrđena obaveza provođenja mjera radi sprječavanja i suzbijanja zaraznih bolesti koje su propisa- ne člankom 57. Zakona o zaštiti pučanstva od zaraznih bolesti (NN br. 79/07, 113/08 i 43/09), što je za cijelu mrežu zavoda za javno zdravstvo značilo aktivno uključivanje u bor- bu protiv epidemija.

Many zoonotic viruses are transmitted by arthropode vectors (e.g. mosquitoes and ticks) between their reservoir hosts and humans and are therefore called arboviruses. This non- systemic classification comprises approximatley 250 different virus species, 80 of them being pathogenic for humans, for example: Dengue virus or Chikungunya virus. Similarly the term roboviruses describes zoonotic viruses that are being transmitted by rodents. Human pathogenic roboviruses belong to two genera, Hantavirus and Arenavirus. The newly coined term ArboRoboviruses includes all viruses from both groups that are mostly emerging or re-emerging pathogens. We will focus here on molecular epidemiology of several emerging and re- emerging ArboRoboviruses in Croatia. Hantaviruses cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which was described in Croatia in the 1960’s. Since then several epidemics occurred caused by Puumala and Dobrava viruses. Additionally were Tula and Saarema viruses in small rodents detected. The percentage of infected small rodents varies between different hantaviruses and regions and can reach up to 77 %. Molecular epidemiology showed that Puumala virus at higher altitudes of Gorski Kotar represent a phylogenetically distinct clade in comparison to low-land Puumala viruses. In 2010 three cases of autochthonous Dengue virus infection were discovered at the Pelješac peninsula. Molecular characterization discovered Dengue virus genotype 1 as the causing pathogen, imported by an unrecognized index case, probably from the Indian subcontinent. Retrospective analysis showed this to be the first autochthonous infection of Dengue fever since the 1930’s in Europe. West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND), is a serious illness caused by West Nile virus and presents with one of three major clinical syndromes: meningitis, encephalitis or flaccid paralysis. In 2012 the first cases of WNND have been recorded in Croatia. In the following year three times as many cases were hospitalized. In contrast to 2012, where all patients contracted WNND in the eastern parts of Croatia, in 2013 the patients got infected in and around the City of Zagreb. Phylogenetic analysis of parts of the genome showed close relation to strains circulating in neighbouring countries. A limited molecular analysis of Aedes albopictus and ¬Culex pipiens, from various parts of Croatia, did not show any traces of human pathogenic flavi- or alphaviruses.

Istraživanje je obavljeno tijekom kolovoza i rujna 2011. godine. Komarci su uzorkovani BG sentinel klopkama uz standardni atraktant BG lure. Uzorkovano je na 126 postaja uzduž jadranske obale. Ukupno je uhvaćeno 3699 jedinki koamaraca. Najveći broj komaraca uzorkovan je u Splitsko- dalmatinskoj županiji (1160), a najmanji u Ličko- senjskoj (100). U klopkama su evidentirane samo tri vrste komaraca i to: Aedes albopictus (81, 37%, Culex pipiens (18, 6%) i Culiseta longiareolata (0, 03%). U klopkama su zabilježene ženke i mužjaci tigrastog komarca i to u omjeru 2, 5:1. Prosječan ulov tigrastog komarca po klopkama bio je ujednačen i kretao se od 7, 92 do 13, 14, osim u Splitsko-dalmatinskoj županiji u kojoj je prosječan ulov iznosio čak 47, 43 komarca po klopci.

Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera, Culicidae) is invasive species which has been spreading throughout the world in last three decades. The vector has been introduced in several European countries since 1975. The first record in Croatia originates from Zagreb. A total of 13 larvae were collected on October 28, 2004 in a discarded ceramic toilet bowl in nearby forest. In the beginning of 2005, specimens of this species were found in Rovinj, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. From September to October 2005, some specimens were detected in several places in Istrian peninsula. As it has been present in Italy for the preceding 15 years, its spread to Croatia was expected. Studies in Istria show the presence of this species in eight towns: Pula, Rovinj, Funtana, Poreč, Novigrad, Buje, Umag and Savudrija. The mosquito larvae were found only in a man-made breeding sites such as water reservoirs, discarded car tires and various water collecting objects. Spread of Ae. albopictus on Croatian islands in recent years shows that antropochory of this species is very fast. Since 2006, the following islands were inhabited by Ae. albopictus: Vis, Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Mljet, Cres, Lošinj and Krk. All findings on islands were close to marinas or surrounding area. Approximately 80.000 yachts cruise in Croatian part of the Adriatic sea. Causes and models of the Ae. albopictus spread are discussed in the presentation. Special attention is given on the yacht vessels and their role in Ae. albopictus spread from Italy. In August 2010, a DENV infection was diagnosed in a German traveler returning from a trip to Croatia in Southeast Europe. Two additional cases were noted 2 months later, which makes a total of three autochthones cases of Dengue in Croatia. These vector-born diseases are closely connected with Ae. albopictus as their vector. However, no virus was isolated from mosquitoes from south Dalmatia so far.

U ekotoksikološkim istraživanjima praćenja onečišćenja okoliša, učinka zagađenja na organizme i procjenu rizika izloženosti sve češće koristimo metode molekularne biologije, odnosno biomarkere i biotestove. Pesticidi djeluju na više razina biološke organizacije, ali sva kemijska zagađivala moraju početno djelovati tako što mijenjaju strukturu i/ili funkcionalna svojstva esencijalnih molekula. Stoga osjetljive i specifične biokemijske metode mogu služiti kao rani upozoravajući pokazatelji negativnog učinka na biološke sustave. Kozmopolitska riba Gambusia affinis, Baird i Girardi 1853. je alohtona vrsta u lokvama na području južne Istre. Modelni ksenobiotik, pesticid lindan (gama-HCH) se koristi kao insekticid u javnom zdravstvu, veterinarskoj medicini te zbog njegove postojanosti u okolišu predstavlja opasnost od zagađenja površinskih voda. Biomarkeri izloženosti i učinka zagađenja ispitani su eksperimentalno određivanjem LC50, izlaganjem organizama subletalnim koncentracijama ksenobiotika, te u prirodi na pet lokacija gdje ova riba obitava. U ovom smo radu pratili promjenu u indukciji sustava oksidaza miješanih funkcija (OMF) ovisnih o citokromu P450, mjerenjem aktivnosti etoksiresorufin-O- deetilaze (EROD) kao biomarkera izloženosti, te promjenu cjelovitosti DNA kao biomarkera učinka (Fast Micromethod®). Usporedbom eksperimentalnih rezultata i rezultata biomarkera u riba iz okoliša, te analizom organoklorovih pesticida u vodi i sedimentu lokava, utvrđena je povezanost indukcije detoksikacijskih enzima, smanjenog integriteta DNA i povećanja koncentracije lindana. Rezultati ukazuju da je vrsta G. affinis, kao i navedeni biomarkeri, pogodna za praćenje opterećenosti okoliša pesticidima zbog svojih bioloških i ekoloških svojstava, te doznog odgovora istraživanih biomarkera.

Tigrasti komarac, udomaćena agresivna vrsta komarca već se nekoliko godina širi Istrom. Zbog njegovih osobitosti bilo je nužno prilagoditi metode monitoringa i kontrole brojnosti. U radu je prikazana metoda monitoringa tigrastog komarca ovipozicijskim klopkama osmišljena prema uputama talijanski stručnjaka. Primjenom ove metode, u Istri su u 2008. godini zabilježeni novi lokaliteti koje je osvojila navedena vrsta. Stegomyia albopicta proširio se u unutrašnjost istarskog poluotoka ( Loborika, Marčana, Vodnjan, Galižana, Kaštelir, Motovun i Pazin. Metoda ovipozicijskih lovki pokazala se kao pogodna kvantitativna metoda kojom možemo mjeriti smanjenje brojnosti komaraca kroz omjer broja položenih jajašaca 24 sata prije i 24 sata nakon adulticidnog tretmana. Zavod je prilikom predlaganja Programa mjera za 2009. godinu posebnu pozornost dao na kontrolu brojnosti tigrastog komarca na području gradova i općina u kojima je zamijećen. Uz tretmane ličinki i adulta, edukacija stanovništva jedan je od najvažnijih čimbenika borbe protiv tigrastog komarca.

Općenito je poznato da je turizam dohodovno zanimljiva ljudska aktivnost. Njegova atraktivnost stalno se dorađuje sve zahtjevnijim standardima, kako bi se u konačnici povećala dohodovnost. U tom kontekstu se prepoznaje važno pitanje, sigurnost turističkih odredišta. Tim je tragom potaknuta izrada ovog prilog. U njemu se polemizira o uzročno posljedičnoj pojavnosti crne udovice, tog prirodnog stanovnika sredozemnog priobalja i eventualnog rizika za sigurnost i zdravlje ljudi. Zbog boljeg razumijevanja označenog problema navode se biološke i ekološke osobitosti crne udovice, potiču se razmišljenja o ulozi pauka u ekološkoj ravnoteži, o ulozi ljudskih aktivnosti u dizajniranju okoliša, te o opravdanosti higijensko sanitarnih postupaka u suzbijanju pauka. Usput se naglašava da je najučinkovitije rješenje pitanja "Crna udovica – čimbenik ekološke ravnoteže i zdravstvenog rizika turističkih odredišta našeg priobalja" prosvjećivanje domicilnog stanovništva, turističkih djelatnika i turističkih korisnika.

Croatia is a country with a very diverse landscape, which is reflected on the varied mosquito fauna in different regions. The total of 50 mosquito species has been recorded so far. Northeast Croatia is known as the mosquito region, with large populations of especially flood mosquitoes. In the city of Osijek, 20 species have been recorded so far, with Aedes vexans as eudominant and Ochlerotatus sticticus as dominant species. In the city of Zagreb, 28 species have been recorded with Culex pipiens and Ochlerotatus sticticus as dominant species. In the Istria region, 28 species have been recorded with Culex pipiens as eudominant species, and finally, in South Croatia in the Split area 18 species have been recorded, with Culex pipiens as eudominant and Ochlerotatus caspius as dominant species. As we know from literature Aedes vexans and Culex pipiens (eudominant species in all regions) are potential vectors of Dirofilaria sp., which makes Croatia a country with a disease risk for this disease.

Stegomyia albopicta (Aedes albopictus) (Skuse, 1894), also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is a species whose spreading has been carefully monitored during the recent years due to its biological and health importance. Since the species has been observed during the past 15 years in neighbouring countries Italy and Monte Negro, the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito to Croatia has been expected. In Croatia, St. albopicta was first recorded in Zagreb in October 2004, and again in 2005 in used tires imported from the northeastern Italy. In 2005 and 2006, the mosquito was recorded at a number of locations along the Adriatic coast. In the region of Istria peninsula, the species was found at ten locations on the western coast. The larvae were found in different types of artificial breeding sites including used tires transported either from Slovenia and Italy or by the sea traffic. In Dalmatia, St. albopicta was recorded in Zadar, Šibenik, Split and Dubrovnik. In all cases first detection sites were located near the city harbours, suggesting the arrival of mosquito by the oversea traffic. Climatic conditions at the Croatian Adriatic coast are favourable for the survival of this species. In order to keep the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito under control, Public Health and University Institutes have been preparing research and educational programs and strengthening measures for the mosquito control.

Monitoring of mosquitoes include larval and adult monitoring. The sampling is carry out by collecting larvae in a small container (glasses) individually depending of the size of the breeding site. The sampling of adult forms collects with CDC-traps by dry ice and individually with aspirator during the highest mosquito activity. Program of mosquito control of all City of Croatia creates mosquito control strategy. Institute of Public health of County are making programs. Program includes measures of larval and adult mosquito treatments through the year. Larval treatments are carried out from March to October, depending of water temperature in breeding site. Educative actions and removal of breeding site are carried out parallel with larval treatments (chemical and biological). Treatments against adult mosquitoes are carried out by measures of hot and cold fogging from the land (exceptional from the air).

Stegomyia albopicta (Aedes albopictus) (Skuse, 1894), ili azijski tigrasti komarac, biološki je i zdravstveno značajna vrsta komaraca čije se širenje u svijetu pažljivo prati u poslijednjih dvadesetak godina. Prisutna je u susjednoj Italiji (15 godina) i Crnoj Gori (5), stoga je širenje na područje Hrvatske bilo očekivano. Vrsta St. albopicta zabilježena je u Hrvatskoj prvi put u Zagrebu u listopadu 2004. Ličinke vrste prikupljene su iz umjetnog legla u šumi. Novi nalaz u Zagrebu slijedio je godinu dana kasnije kada su kukuljice i odrasle jedinke uzorkovane iz rabljenih guma u skladišnom prostoru tvrtke koja uvozi gume iz sjeveroistočne Italije. U istom razdoblju, u rujnu i listopadu 2005., azijski tigrasti komarac pronađen je u brojnim mjestima duž Jadranske obale. U Istri je pronađen u osam gradova na zapadnoj obali poluotoka. Ličinke su pronađene u različitim umjetnim leglima uključujući rabljene gume dovežene iz Slovenije i Italije ili morskim putem iz drugih zemalja. U Dalmaciji, vrsta St.albopicta je pronađena u Zadru, Splitu i Dubrovniku. U gradovima Dalmacije mjesta pronalaska su smještena u blizini gradskih luka što upućuje na dolazak komarca morskim prijevozom. Kako bi zaustavili širenje azijskog tigrastog komarca, Zavodi za javno zdravstvo pojedinih županija i grada Zagreba, te Odjel za biologiju Osječkog Sveučilišta pripremili su programe daljnjeg istraživanja i suzbijanja, te upoznavanja građana o ovoj napasnoj vrsti. U radu će biti prikazani rezultati istraživanja tijekom 2006. godine.

After being recorded for the first time in Albania in 1979, S. albopicta did not spread to the other countries of the region. Next evidence came in August 2001 when one larva was sampled from used tire made in France and imported to Podgorica (capital of Montenegro, Serbia and Montenegro) from Germany. Despite almost unfavorable rainfall distribution pattern with less than 500mm of precipitation during April - September period S. albopicta was established there. In the course of three years Asian tiger invaded several places of Montenegrian sea shore and established numerous colonies in man made water containers. First record of the same species for Croatia was in Zagreb in October 2004 when a total of 13 larvae were collected in a disposed ceramic toilet bowl. During the summer of 2005 new country evidences were made in continental Bosnia and Herzegovina (Banja Luka) and coastal Slovenia (sea resort Portoroz). Several weeks later the tiger larvae and adults were found on Croatian Adriatic coast in several places in Istria, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. For the places in western part of Istria, we presume that the tiger spread there from Italy and Slovenia, but it seems that their introductions to Split and Zadar were more probably connected to the Adriatic sea traffic.

Vrsta komarca Stegomyia albopicta - azijski tigrasti komarac (Diptera, Culicidae) otkrivena je na području poluotoka Istre tijekom rujna i listopada 2005. godine. Obzirom da je u proteklih 15 godina vrsta prisutna u Italiji, širenje prema Hrvatskoj bilo je očekivano. Terenskim istraživanjima na području Istre, prisutnost vrste evidentirana je u čak osam gradova. Vrsta je zabilježena uglavnom uz obalno područje jugozapadnog dijela Istre, točnije u Puli, Rovinju, Funtani, Poreču, Novigradu, Bujama, Umagu i Savudriji. U gradovima u unutrašnjosti poluotoka još uvijek nije evidentirana. Pretpostavljamo da je vrsta prenesena na dva načina, morskim transportom i uvozom rabljenih guma iz Italije i Slovenije. Ličinke vrste Stegomyia albopicta pronađene su isključivo u umjetnim leglima kao što su spremnici za vodu, gume i vaze, dok su odrasle jedinke uhvaćene u blizini navedenih legala. Ukupno je uhvaćeno 85 jedinki komaraca tj. 45 odraslih i 40 ličinki. Ostale vrste koje se pojavljuju u istraživanim leglima su Culiseta longiareolata, Culex pipiens i Culex hortensis. Hrvatska je osma zemlja u Europi u kojoj je počelo širenje ove izrazito invazivne vektorske vrste.

In this poster we report about the recent discoveries of S. albopicta in Croatia. The Asian tiger mosquito was first recorded in Croatia in October 2004. The record was made during a regular control of the potential mosuqito breeding sites in the larger area surrounding the city of Zagreb (Northern Croatia). No new records were made at the same location during 2005, but the mosquito was found at other site. In October 2005, both larvae and adults of S. albopicta were detected at the storage place with old tires, belonging to the company which imports used tires to Croatia from Italy. Following the humid and warm summer at the Adriatic coast of Croatia, the Asian tiger was recorded in September and October at a number of locations along the coast, from istria (Northern Adriatic coast) to Dubrovnik region (Southern Adriatic). In all cases, larvae were collected in artificial breeding sites only, and the number of mosquito breeding sites was a rather small, indicating that the species has just started its spreading over this region. S. albopicta arrived to Zagreb via used tires imported from Italy. Mosquitoes spread to Istria from neighbouring areas of Italy and Slovenia, and to the Southern Adriatic coast from the neighbouring Montenegro, all areas where the species had been detected earlier. In Split and Zadar, larvae were detected in the harbours, suggesting the arrival of mosquito by the oversea traffic.

Vrsta komaraca Aedes albopictus (Skuse) - azijski tigrasti komarac nova je vrsta za područje Hrvatske. Obzirom da je u proteklih 15 godina prisutna u Italiji i Crnoj Gori, širenje prema Hrvatskoj bilo je neminovno. Istraživanja na području Istarske županije u kasno ljeto i jesen 2005. godine pokazala su prisutnost ove vektorske vrste na jugozapadnom dijelu obalnog područja, točnije u Puli, Rovinju, Funtani, Poreču, Novigradu, Bujama, Umagu i Savudriji. U unutrašnjosti Istre vrsta još uvijek nije zabilježena. Ličinke komaraca pronađene su isključivo u umjetnim leglima kao što su spremnici za vodu, gume i vaze, dok su odrasle jedinke uhvaćene u blizini navedenih legala. Brojnost jedinki vrste Aedes albopictus u odnosu na ostale vrste koje se pojavljuju u leglima još je uvijek vrlo mala, što ukazuje da se vrsta tek pojavila na području Istarske županije.

Molecular biology methods, applied as biomarkers and biotests, are increasingly used in ecotoxicology for the monitoring of pollution, effect and environmental risk assessment. While pesticides affect biological systems on several levels, all contaminants act by changing the structure and/or functional properties of essential cellular molecules. Therefore sensitive and specific biochemical methods can be used as early warning indicators in helping avoid negative impacts on ecosystems. The cosmopolitan fish Gambusia affinis Baird and Girardi 1853 is an alohtone species in south Istrian ponds. The model xenobiotic Lindan (gama-HCH) is used as an insecticide in both public health and veterinary science. Because of its persistence in the environment it represents a threat for surface fresh waters. Biomarkers of exposure, and the effects of contamination, were examined experimentally by determination of LC50 for the xenobiotic Lindan, by exposing the organisms to sub-lethal doses in their natural environment at five locations where this species lives. In this work we have applied the induction of hepatic cytochrome P450-dependent mixed function oxygenase (MFO), measured as the activity of ethoxyresorfin-O-deethylase (EROD), as a biomarker of exposure with changes in DNA integrity, measured by the Fast Micromethod, as a biomarker of effect. Comparison of experimental results (Lindan exposure and field) with pesticides determined in pond water and sediments showed a positive correlation between the induction of detoxification enzymes, lower DNA integrity and increased Lindan concentrations. Results indicated that the fish G. affinis, as well as the examined biomarkers, are suitable for monitoring of fresh water pesticide contamination, due to both their biological – ecological characteristics and the biomarkers dose- response.

Vrsta komaraca Aedes albopictus (Skuse) - azijski tigrasti komarac nova je vrsta za područje Hrvatske. Krajem 2004. godine ušao je na mala vrata u Hrvatsku. Od tada do danas proširio se u nekoliko gradova na jadranskoj obali. Obzirom da je ova vrsta, vrsta s najvećim potencijalnom prenošenja različitih virusa i zoonoza, treba djelovati odmah u smislu praćenja, kontrole i suzbijanja jedinki.