Non-biting midges (Chironomidae) from artificial water bodies in Belgrade sub-urban area

Abstract

Water bodies in Belgrade sub-urban area are under considerable anthropogenic pressure. Rivers and channels discussed in this study pass through industrial zones, agricultural and urban areas, and play an important role in draining atmospheric water and wastewater. Reservoirs in Belgrade vicinity are also under diverse anthropogenic influence. Macroinvertebrate samples were collected in June and September 2018 from 21 water bodies (9 rivers, 8 canals, and 4 reservoirs), following MHS sampling procedure. Chironomids were dominant in all samples and as such, they were analyzed independently. A total of 69 chironomid taxa (48 – rivers, 29 – reservoirs and 25 – channels) were recorded, within 4 subfamilies (Prodiamesinae, Orthocladinae, Tanypodinae and Chironominae). The most abundant species altogether was Chironomus riparius, with highest abundance in Barička reka. In reservoirs, the most abundant non-biting midges belong to genus Procladius and Ablabesmyia monilis agg. while in the channels the most abundant were Parachironomus arcuatus agg. and Cricotopus sylvestris group. High dominance of chironomids in macroinvertebrate communities, as well as the chironomid community structure itself, suggest that they could be efficiently used for assessment of anthropogenic pressure in sub-urban areas.