Oligochaetes (Annelida, Oligochaeta) of the Vlasina river (South-East Serbia): diversity and distribution

Abstract

The composition of the Oligochaeta community of the Vlasina river and two tributaries, the Gradska and the Luznica river was considered in relation to environmental factors. Both, diversity and species distribution of aquatic worms were analyzed. Twenty-six species of Oligochaeta from 17 genera belonging to seven families were recorded. The species showed different ecological requirements. Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, Lumbriculus variegatus, Tubifex tubifex, Propappus volki, Nais pseudobtusa and Nais communis appeared the most frequent and abundant species in the rivers studied. Habitat heterogeneity within a single sampling site and good water quality are important factors determining the diversity of aquatic worm species. The uniformity of oligochaetes along the water course resulted primarily from similar habitats at all sampling sites.