摘要：Karst springs are considered for specific habitats in many aspects. They are characterized by a relatively stable thermal regime and high chemical stability during the year. For these specific characteristics they are considered a refugee for many rare species of fauna and flora. The aim of this study was to characterize taxonomic composition and diversity of macroinvertebrate communities in karst springs in the Western Carpathians. Totally, 36 karst springs were sampled in 6 karst areas of Slovakia. The spring habitats differed in altitude and thermal regime. Based on taxonomic composition 5 significantly different macroinvertebrate assemblage groups were separated. The typical rhithral species (e.g. Rhyacophila tristis, Dugesia gonocephala, Baetis alpinus) identified the first group – large cave springs. Species (e.g. Polycelis felina, Electrogena ujhelyi, Agapetus fuscipes) typical for intermittent habitats formed second group. Wormaldia occipitalis was indicator species for seasonal springs. Small forest springs were characterized by species, e.g. Leuctra major, Elmis latreillei and Protonemoura auberti. Neither altitude nor water temperature were detected as significant predictors of the taxonomic diversity.
