Coleoptera of the karst system of Romania

A synthesis of over 35 years of coleopterological investigations carried out by the author in the karst system of Romania is presented. We aimed to provide a comprehensive study of the diversity and species richness of the coleopteran fauna of karst areas. The vertical distribution of species and the similarities in species composition between the karst areas of Romania are analyzed. A list of 810 coleopteran species identified to date in the karst system of Romania is presented, together with their epigean, endogean or subterranean records in the Carpathians and Dobrogea. 46% of the recorded species were found in subterranean environments (MSS and caves). Of these, only 13% were troglobionts (specialist cave dwelling species).