Ecological traits of water beetles in a karstic river from the Eastern Mediterranean region

Abstract This study presents new insights into ecological traits of water beetles in lotic karst habitats of the Eastern Mediterranean. The aims of the study were to investigate population aspects and ecological traits of water beetles. Data were collected monthly during one year from a large perennial river showing current anthropogenic disturbance. Altogether 11 families, 23 genera and 31 species were identified. Elmidae were the most diverse and abundant family, and the genus Elmis predominated at all sampling sites. The distribution of water beetles along the river was influenced primarily by river bed morphology and beetle substrate preference. Water beetles were more abundant in bryophytes but more diverse in angiosperms. Ecological traits of water beetles along the watercourse were defined primarily by alkalinity and current velocity. Larval stages correlated with water depth and current velocity, while the adult stage correlated only with water depth. Our results support the potential of water beetles as indicators of water quality. This report provides the most detailed investigation so far of water beetles in the Eastern Mediterranean region, providing a basis for further detailed studies of water beetles and their ecology in freshwater habitats in southeastern Europe.