Abstract
In two fish ponds in Lasy Janowskie Landscape Park 48 water mite species were
caught. In the pond Momoty Duże, situated in the Lasy Janowskie reserve, more species (38),
higher species diversity (3.88), and a larger share of lake fauna (33.2%) were observed than in
Momoty Małe (33, 3.67 and 22.6% respectively). In the combined collected material small water
body species were dominant (70.6%). Similarity between the Hydrachnidia assemblages of the
two ponds was 50.1%. The large number of species and individuals caught and the high values for
the species diversity index confirm the significant role of fish ponds as a habitat for water mites.
A characteristic trait of the ponds was the very small percentage of vernal species and of tyrphobiontic
and tyrphophilic species. Although more species and a larger share of lake fauna were
found in the pond situated in the reserve (Momoty Duże) than in the pond outside the reserve
(Momoty Małe), the differences in the structure of the fauna were slight. The lack of pronounced
differences between the two ponds was due to their similar habitat characteristics and similar use.
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