It is raining bugs: summer dispersal of aquatic bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera: Nepomorpha) in Srebarna Nature Reserve (Bulgaria)

A study on the Srebarna Nature Reserve, a wetland of significant conservation value, reveals that aquatic bugs, particularly Corixidae (water boatmen), exhibit peak dispersal activity during the first hour after sunset. The research, conducted over 11 nights using UV light traps, collected 4589 individuals, including 13 species not previously recorded in the reserve. This finding sheds light on the dispersal behavior of these insects, with female dominance observed in the most abundant species. Environmental factors such as air temperature, atmospheric pressure, and wind speed were found to influence the dispersal activity of Sigara striata, a common species. The study provides critical data for future research on the phenology and fauna of aquatic bugs in this unique ecosystem.

Stoianova, D. (2018). It is raining bugs: summer dispersal of aquatic bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera: Nepomorpha) in Srebarna Nature Reserve (Bulgaria). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.4044002