The caddisfly fauna (Insecta: Trichoptera) of Shar Planina mountain (Republic of North Macedonia)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59194/MJEE2527139hjKeywords:
caddisflies, rare species, distribution, Balkan PeninsulaAbstract
Shar Planina mountain, spanning through North Macedonia and Kosovo, are a significant biodiversity hotspot in the Western Balkans. Despite their ecological importance, data on the region’s caddisfly (Trichoptera) diversity remain scarce and fragmented. This study compiles a comprehensive review of all published records alongside findings from a seven-year field investigation across various habitats in North Macedonia’s part of Shar Planina mountain. As a result, the first checklist of Trichoptera species for the region is presented. According to literature and our new faunistic data, a total of 63 species are currently known from Shar Planina mountain. Notably, ten species are newly reported for the mountain and one is newly recorded for North Macedonia. The study highlights the conservation significance of these species and identifies ecologically sensitive areas based on caddisfly distribution. These findings enhance our understanding of freshwater biodiversity in a region recognized for its rich natural heritage.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Jelena Hinić-Jordanovska, Valentina Slavevska-Stamenković, Danijela Mitić-Kopanja, Halil Ibrahimi, Mladen Kučinić, Ajten Rušiti-Dauti, Daniela Jovanovska, Marija Chobanova
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