Epiphytic fauna inhabiting Stratiotes aloides in a new lake of the Słowiński National Park (Smołdzińskie lake, Poland)

Qualitative and quantitative structure of phytophilous macrofauna inhabiting Stratiotes aloides L. have been studied in a newly formed Smołdzińskie Lake in the area of the Słowiński National Park during vegetation period (V-IX) in year 2008. Jointly 27 taxa inhabiting the studied plant species were identified and their number varied in time. The highest amount of epiphytic fauna taxa was observed in June (22) and September (20) while the lowest in August (13). The quality of lake waters significantly influenced both density and biomass of fauna inhabiting and mining the leaves of water soldiers. On the basis of qualitative and quantitative structure of epiphytic fauna, the quality of lake waters was assessed, which-according to BMWP-PL index-corresponded to class III. The analyses of benthofauna inhabiting pleustonic vegetation, as a part of biomonitoring, seem to complete the ecological assessment of aquatic ecosystems.