An unexpected discovery of Stactobiella risi (Felber, ۱۹۰۸) (Trichoptera, Hydroptilidae) in Kosovo with notes on its habitat

Caddisfly sampling conducted during ۲۰۲۳ in the Bistrica e Shalës River, belonging to the Ibër basin and in the Mirusha River, belonging to the Drini i Bardhë (White Drin) basin, revealed the first record of Stactobiella risi (Felber, ۱۹۰۸) for Kosovo and for Ecoregion ۵ (Dinaric Western Balkans). Previously, this species had only been known from few localities in Europe. The morphology of the male genitalia in the collected specimens generally corresponds to the described species, with the exception of a less apically elongated inferior appendages in lateral view, which may be attributed to geographical variability. This discovery increases the knowledge about the distribution of family Hydroptilidae in Kosovo and the Balkans. In addition to this we provide a list of sympatric species in both localities including few rare species such as Hydropsyche botosaneanui Marinković Gospodnetić, ۱۹۶۶ and Rhyacophila macedonica Karaouzas, Valladolid & Ibrahimi, ۲۰۲۲.

کلیدواژه ها:

Aquatic biodiversity ، caddisflies ، Dinaric Balkans ، Ecoregion ۵ ، new records