Investigating chironomid populations and aquatic biodiversity in alpine lakes in Romania

From July 4 to 8, 2024, a scientific excursion to Romania took place to study different aquatic fauna and flora. Our team colleague, Aneta Formáčková, focused on sampling populations of chironomids and other aquatic insects in Latoriței and Bâlea lakes, with the aims to investigate the recent ecological dynamic in these communities. On July 5, the team visited Lake Latoriței in the Parâng Mountains, where Aneta collected chironomid exuviae by skimming the water surface with a long-handled hand net from a belly boat. Additionally, several samples were taken from the bottom for chironomid larvae. On July 6 and 7, at Lake Bâlea in the Făgăraș Mountains, she collected chironomid exuviae from the shore using a long-handled hand net, considering the wind direction. She also employed the kick sampling method to collect diverse samples of chironomid larvae and other aquatic insects from different lake areas. The trip successfully gathered valuable data on the ecological dynamics and biodiversity of these mountainous lake ecosystems, which are now under detailed study and interpretation.