Bristle worms, or oligochaetes, are a large and diverse group of invertebrates. Most oligochaetes living in this region live in fresh or brackish water: no fewer than 136 species in total. They play an important ecological role thereby giving much information about the condition of the ecosystem. This important, bulky book is the first reference work on the freshwater and brackish water polychaetes in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. It offers a wealth of ecological and taxonomic background information. Includes a new user determination key. The key is based on characteristics that are relatively easy to distinguish, without specialized equipment. • a comprehensive overview on morphology, collecting and preservation, identification and ecology • 136 species including the oligochaete fauna of Germany • a new, practical key for the identification based on characteristics that are relatively easy to distinguish • many photographs and schematic drawings • backgroundinformation on ecology and distribution An unique tool for aquatic ecologists and water quality management.

Chironomidae Larvae of the Netherlands and Adjacent Lowlands Chironomids are a group of non-biting midges, the larvae of which are important in aquatic ecosystems. The subfamily Orthocladiinae is well represented in flowing water. This books contains information about their life cycle, feeding behaviour and their response to environmental factors. Chironomidae Larvae, Vol. 3: Orthocladiinae presents a wealth of information for scientific and practical purpose. The subfamily Orthocladiinae is especially well represented in flowing water. Most of the species need a good supply of oxygen and few larvae are bottom dwellers. Many species emerge early in spring and may be scarce in summer. Other species live in stagnant and even temporary water bodies. • information about the life cycle and feeding behaviour of the larvae and their response to environmental factors such as oxygen conditions, current velocity and saprobity • special attention to the interrelations between these factors • general and specific aspects of the systematics, biology and ecology the genera and species • nomenclature and identification An invaluable tool for aquatic ecologists and water quality management. Volume 1: Chironomidae Larvae - General ecology and Tanypodinae Volume 2: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and ecology of the Chironomini Volume 3: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and Ecology of the Aquatic Orthocladiinae

This authoritative guide enables accurate identification of the common components of the inshore benthic invertebrates of the British Isles and adjacent European coasts, as well as a substantial proportion of fish species. This new edition builds upon the strengths of the earlier work and is thoroughly revised throughout to incorporate advances in both the taxonomy and ecology of the organisms concerned.

Chironomids are a group of non-biting midges, the larvae of which are important in aquatic ecosystems. This book is an invaluable tool for aquatic ecologists and water quality management covering the most important tribes Chironomini and Pseudochironomini. It presents a wealth of information for professionals for scientific and practical purpose. The Chironomini larvae are the well-known red bloodworms. They are the most important group of the Chironomidae family in stagnant water and can be very numerous, especially in polluted water. Many species are detritus feeders and play a part in the decomposition of organic material. Most species live in a tube of small particles, attached to the substrate. The author has brought together a wealth of information on the biology and ecology of this group geared especially to water quality assessment. This collected knowledge is required in the interpretation of macro-invertebrate samples. An introduction gives background information on the influence of environmental factors on chironomid larvae. A unique focus on this ecologically important group, useful for professionals and especially important for its potential use in water quality management. Volume 1: Chironomidae Larvae - General ecology and Tanypodinae Volume 2: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and ecology of the Chironomini Volume 3: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and Ecology of the Aquatic Orthocladiinae

The book contains papers on the biology of aquatic oligochaetes and some related groups. They cover a wide range of topics including phylogeny, taxonomy, geographic distribution, freshwater and marine ecology, population dynamics, histology and ultrastructure, physiology and behaviour. The wide scope is in line with recent trends in annelid research with less emphasis on pollution studies and faunistics and a renewed interest in experimental biology using new techniques.

The Mediterranean, Black, and Caspian Seas, the rivers and canals that connect them, and the enormous volume of shipping in the region, represent a conduit for aquatic invasion, whose consequences are only now beginning to be understood. This book provides an up-to-date overview of jelly invasions in the Ponto-Caspian which have affected local ecosystems since the early 1980s, contrasting that with other biological invasions, in search of underlying principles.