AQUATIC INSECTS OF THE MIDDLE IBAR RIVER: A FAUNISTIC CONTRIBUTION

This paper presents the first comprehensive overview of freshwater insect fauna in the middle course of the Ibar River, based on field surveys conducted during 2022–2023, supplemented with existing literature data. A total of 82 taxa from 9 insect orders were recorded, including 67 identified to species level and 15 to genus level. The most represented groups were Diptera, Ephemeroptera, and Trichoptera, while Plecoptera, Lepidoptera, and Megaloptera were each represented by a single taxon. The presence of sensitive species such as Rhyacophila macedonica points to preserved microhabitats, while the dominance of eurytolerant dipterans reflects the influence of local pollution. The results indicate pronounced spatial heterogeneity and suggest the potential of the Ibar River to function as a biological refugium, further emphasizing the need for systematic biomonitoring and appropriate conservation measures.