Microdistributions of stoneflies of the High Tatra montane streams

Abstract

AbstractStonefly samples were collected from disturbed and undisturbed tributaries of the Tatra Mountains streams (the West Carpathians). In the autumn, at stable low discharge, the total density of stoneflies was significantly higher in the undisturbed streams. Microhabitats such as macrolithal (boulders), mesolithal (stones) and moss had higher stonefly density. Taxa of different species or genera have different demands for microhabitats. Very narrow spatial niches were found for the genera