Research on parasitic arthropods of the Lake Zarnowieckie environs, conducted in 1981-1985. I. Part: Biting midges (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae).
In the environs of the Lake Zarnowieckie in 1982-1985 systematic investigations on haematophagic biting midges of genus Culicoides were conducted. A total of 2,188 specimens of Culicoides were caught, among which the occurrence of 26 species was stated. Up to now in this area a total of 28 species was observed. In the cattle spaces 478 specimens (7 species) were caught, with use of the light trap--554 specimens (16 species), with the help of entomological net--79 specimens (5 species) as well as from the soil samples by the method of the laboratory rearing 1077 specimens (24 species) were obtained. The most suitable habitat for the biting midges turned out to be the shores of water bodies (mainly of streams). The seasonal abundance of the Culicoides preimaginal forms in the soil during the two first research seasons reflected characteristic features of the insects biology--the two peaks occurrence took place: spring peak and summer peak. In 1984 and 1985 the number of the biting midges decreased significantly. However, the final conclusions concerning the reasons, the character as well as the determination of the possible influence of environmental changes (as a result of construction and operating of two modern power plants) can be drawn after conduct of the further research in future.
D000818:Animals; D002519:Ceratopogonidae / Q000145:classification*; D004463:Ecology; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D009688:Nuclear Reactors; D011044:Poland; D011210:Power Plants; D012621:Seasons