Ecological patterns of water bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) assemblages in karst springs: a case study from central Montenegro

The composition of water bug communities from 32 springs located in the central part of Montenegro was investigated. Twenty five species were identified, including 13 reported as new to Montenegro. The most common species were Hydrometra stagnorum and Velia sp. (Gerromorpha). Our study in the central part of Montenegro revealed that environmental and faunistic classification of karstic springs based on water bug communities may not correspond with each other. According to environmental characteristics, springs were divided into three groups indicating anthropogenic impact on the spring habitats. Water bug communities divided springs into four groups. There are differences in species richness between these four types of water bug assemblages and among the studied spring types. Results of CCA analysis revealed spring size as the main driver of biotic diversity of aquatic bugs in springs. Our study showed that community groups of water bugs specified in the biotic classification of spring habitats are much better defined than assemblages distinguished in the environmental site classification.