The optimal time for sampling macroinvertebrates and its implications for diversity indexing in rheocrenes − case study from the Prokletije Mountains

In most studies, sampling of springs has typically been undertaken over one season, which has raised the question what the most suitable time(s) to undertake sampling is. In this study, we report the results of macroinvertebrate monthly samplings performed in two springs in western Kosovo in order to determine the most appropriate time to undertake sampling to characterise biodiversity. Diversity indices have revealed that insect assemblages remain more diverse than assemblages of fully aquatic invertebrates. The results of SIMPER have revealed that winter communities remain the most dissimilar one another and also to other seasons. However, when Gammarus balcanicus is excluded, this pattern becomes blurred. To sum up, our results illustrate that (1) multiple surveys covering more than one season provide a comprehensive picture of total biodiversity, and (2) for appropriate characterising of the macroinvertebrate community in the studied rheocrenes at least winter and summer were required