Contribution to the knowledge of the caddisfly fauna (Insecta: Trichoptera) of the Ibër River in Kosovo, with the first record of Hydroptila martini Marshall, 1977

This study presents the results of a faunistic survey of Trichoptera conducted at four sampling stations in the Ibr River, Kosovo.A total of 22 species from 9 families were recorded, comprising 133 male and 94 female specimens.The most species-rich site was L1, with 11 species, including the first confirmed record of Hydroptila martini Marshall, 1977 in Kosovo.This rare micro-caddisfly, represented by a single male specimen, highlights the importance of the study area for documenting overlooked taxa.Notable findings include the abundance of Rhyacophila nubila Zetterstedt, 1840 at L1, as well as Psychomyia pusilla Fabricius, 1781 and Silo pallipes Fabricius, 1781 at L2, reflecting diverse ecological conditions within the study area.Balkan endemics such as Rhyacophila macedonica Karaouzas, Valladolid & Ibrahimi, 2022 and Ecclisopteryx keroveci Previi, Graf & Vitecek, 2014 were recorded in low numbers, probably emphasizing the dependence of these two species on water quality.This study emphasizes the importance of increased conservation actions to protect and conserve the vulnerable freshwater ecosystems of Kosovo which support many endemic and rare Trichoptera species.