The formation of water beetle fauna in anthropogenic water bodies

Abstract

Studies on the fauna of water beetles inhabiting anthropogenic water bodies were conducted on 44 clay-pit and gravel-pit ponds. A total of 125 water beetle species were identified. The dominant species were Scarodytes halensis and Laccobius minutus, representing the argillophilous component. Eurytopic, lake and riverine, and peatland species were also identified. Among the environmental factors determining the diversity of the water beetle fauna in particular types of habitats, the most significant role was played by the substratum and succession stage.