First Record of Baetis monnerati Nymphs (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) in Some Running Water Habitats North of Latakia Governorate

Abstract

This study described the nymphal stage of a new species of Ephemeroptera (mayflies) belonging to the family Baetidae in several flowing water habitats in the northern part of Latakia, Syria (Zaghrin River, Sarsakieh River, site of both rivers meeting, Arab River), the studied species was recorded in two sites (Zaghrin River and Sarsakieh River). Samples were collected from May to September 2025 at a rate of twice per month for each, using specialized nets.

  Temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, and biochemical oxygen demand were measured at each station periodically. The samples were examined in the laboratory in detail, and the species Baetis monnerati was identified based on internationally recognized morphological and anatomical taxonomic criteria, A detailed description of morphological characteristics was provided.

      The study confirmed the ecological significance of the species, as it is an important bioindicator of pollution and its presence in the flowing waters of northern Latakia highlights the importance of the Syrian coast as a habitat for sensitive species, Which call for further taxonomic and environmental studies to document biodiversity and support environmental monitoring efforts using bioindicators.