L. Forró - É. Murai szerk.: Miscellanea Zoologica Hungarica 6. 1991 (Budapest, 1991)

Szlávecz, K.: The terrestrial isopod fauna of the Hortobágy National Park

MISCELLANEA To m us 6. ZOOLOGICA 1991. HUNGARICA p. 61-66 The terrestrial isopod fauna of the Hortobágy National Park by K. SZLÁVECZ (Received April 5,1991) Abstract The terrestrial isopod collection of the Hungarian Natural History Museum was examined. Five species, ArmadilUdium vulgare Latr., Porcellium collicola Verh., Porcellio scaber Latr., Trachelipus rathkü Brdt. and Cyhsticus convexus de Geer were found. Both A. vulgare and P. collicola were most abundant in forest communities, while T. rathJdi occurred largely at forest edges. Key words: Isopoda, On iscidea, distribution, Hortobágy National Park, Hungary INTRODUCTION The Hortobágy National Park (HNP thereafter), the first national park in Hungary, was established in 1972. Its unique geology and landscape attracted great attention of both botanists and zoologists. Several collecting trips were organized and long term studies were also initiated. The research was coordinated by the Hungarian Natural History Museum. The results of these projects are summarized in a three volume book (MAHUNKA 1981, 1983, SZUJKÓ-LACZA 1982), where 80% of the fauna is listed. Terrestrial isopods are not treated in this book. The isopod collection of the Natural History Museum was examined and the results of this evaluation are presented in this paper. MATERIAL AND METHODS The material was collected between 1974 and 1976. Pitfall traps were used primarily, but other collecting methods, such as mesh sieving and singling were also used. Sampling was fairly regular at Újszentmargita, where the pitfall traps were emptied monthly between March and September in the first two years. Here different plant communities were sampled. Collecting trips to other localities were much more irregular. The material was stored in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Each specimen was individually examined, identified, and their maturity and sex were also recorded. A detailed botanical description as well as a map of HNP and the adjoining nature conservation areas are given in SZUJKÓ-LACZA (1982).