An unusual occurrence of the Dytiscidae (Coleoptera) in the siliceous, flowstone of the Upper Miocene cave at Przeworno, Lower Silesia, Poland

Abstract

The discovery of well preserved fragments of Dytiscidae, including the extant species Hydaticus laevipennis Thomson (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) in the Upper Miocene siliceous flowstone deposits at Przeworno, Lower Silesia, is discussed. These deposits were formed during a rapid precipitation of silica from hot spring water flowing through a bog area into a karst sink. Describing the site of discovery, the writers also give some notes on the ecology of the species found and on their evolution.