1. Spring week 2007

This report provides an overview of the zoological results produced in the year after the first spring week in the NP Gesäuse (17-21.07.2007). They refer to 21 springs, further partial results are available for some flowing waters (freshwater mites) and for the Odelstein cave (Amphipoda, Niphargus). The focus of the evaluation was the Meiofauna (small crabs, water mites). Faunistically interesting data are also available for some selected families of flies and mosquitoes (Diptera) and for the flea crayfish Amphipoda. Other groups of animals are either still under preparation (Plecoptera, Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera) or have been postponed because there is relatively little material, the processing of which is planned together with the yield in 2008 (Mollusca, Coleoptera). The following results are of particular importance for diversity research: Crustacea, Ostracoda: Cyclocypris sp. (in preparation, a previously unknown species from Central and Western Europe, possibly new to science); Candona studeri Kaufmann, 1900 (rare species, previously reported only from lakes in Switzerland — Meisch 2000). Crustacea, Amphipoda: From the taxonomically difficult genus there are two taxa, N. strouhali alpinus (with significant deviations from the original description) and N. cf. tatrensis (a possibly consisting of several species, taxonomically still poorly defined unit). The populations undergo a molecular analysis and make an important contribution to understanding the diversity of the genus. Acari, Hydrachnidia: Chelomideopsis annemiae (Romijn, 1919), rare source species — first proof of Austria; Neumania spinipes (Müller, 1776), widely used still water type — first proof of Austria; Protzia multipora Walter, 1922 (previously questionable species described after an Austrian specimen): Proof of synonymy with Protzia squamosa Walter, 1908. Protzia macrognatha Walter, 1944 (after an Austrian specimen described so far questionable species): Proof of synonymy with P. distincta Walter, 1922 (Di Sabatino et al. in Vorb.). Diptera, Empididae: Hemerodromia strobli Wagner & Gerecke (print):Description of a new kind for science. Diptera, Lonchopteridae: Finding a previously inadequately described larvae form. Preliminary results were compiled in a generally understandable article (Gerecke 2008). From the experience of the first sample phase, proposals for further action will be drawn up.