LAUSR

Abstract Aerophytic phototrophs, colonizers of different substrates exposed to air, among which are rock substrates in cave habitats, are in general not sufficiently investigated and studied. From the ecological point of view, seasonal/temporal variations and parameters that influence aerophytic phototrophic communities through seasons still remain largely unknown. Seasonal analysis of phototrophic microorganisms from biofilms developed at entrances of Samar and Jezava caves in Eastern Serbia was performed four times a year. All identified phototrophic representatives were assigned to a certain division or group. The relationship between documented groups and different measured, determined and observed ecological parameters was illustrated using principal component analysis (PCA). A high diversity of cyanobacteria and algae was observed as a result of seasonal sampling: 141 taxa in Samar and 61 taxa in Jezava Cave. Cyanobacteria were dominant in both caves (coccoid forms prevailing) and were followed by Bacillariophyta. Bacillariophyta were positively correlated with light intensity and sites where seeping water was present, and cyanobacteria with water content in biofilm, Chl a and relative air humidity. Higher diversity of phototrophs was documented in December and March, and lower in May and August in both caves with Chl a values having the same trend as the diversity of phototrophic microorganisms. This was especially the case with biofilms in which diversity was more prone to seasonal changes and where Cyanobacteria dominated. Only 24 taxa were documented during all four seasons in Samar Cave (Cyanobacteria, Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta representatives) and three in Jezava Cave (Cyanobacteria only).