265 COLLECTING MEIO- AND MACROZOOBENTHOS IN SPRINGS Reinhard Gerecke 1* , Bruno Maiolini 2 & Marco Cantonati 3 1 Biesingerstrasse 11, 72070 Tübingen, Germany 2 Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology Section, Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, Via Calepina 14, 38100 Trento, Italy 3 Limnology and Phycology Section, Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, Via Calepina 14, 38100 Trento, Italy * Corresponding author e-mail: reinhard.gerecke@unituebingen.de Introduction The main dilemma of limnological studies in springs probably derives from the generally reduced dimensions and extreme heterogeneity of the habitat. This, increasing the intensity of sampling, places risks on the habitat; however, reduced collecting activity results in a non-representative sample of a limited portion of the whole (see Franz et al. 2006 for further details regarding long-term monitoring studies in springs). In the following short review dealing with zoobenthos sampling methods in spring habitats we discuss some aspects of sampling techniques which are generally valid for the collection of both meio- and macrofauna. Particular methods which are necessary for representation and documentation of selected invertebrate groups will be presented and discussed in the respective papers (Chironomidae: Lencioni 2007; Copepoda: Stoch 2007; Hydracarina: Gerecke & Di Sabatino 2007; Mollusca: Dalfreddo & Bodon 2007; Nematoda: Gatti & Zullini 2007, Oligochaeta: Sambugar 2007; Ostracoda: Rossetti 2007). Season(s) for field work While many emerging spring insects have a rather distinct seasonal niche, and can therefore be found in the life-cycle stage adequate for classification, many representatives of the non-emerging meiofauna of Alpine springs have a very reduced seasonality and can be found Gerecke R., Maiolini B. & Cantonati M., 2007 - Collecting meio- and macro- zoobenthos in springs. In: Cantonati M., Bertuzzi E. & Spitale D., The spring habitat: biota and sampling methods. Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, Trento: 265-274 (Monografie del Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, 4).