DNA barcodes provide insights into the diversity and biogeography of the non-biting midge Polypedilum (Diptera, Chironomidae) in South America.

South America, particularly within its tropical belt, is renowned for its unparalleled high levels of species richness, surpassing other major biomes. Certain neotropical areas harbor fragmented knowledge of insect diversity and face imminent threats from biodiversity loss and climate change. Hence, there is an urgent need for rapid estimation methods to complement slower traditional taxonomic approaches. A variety of algorithms for delimiting species through single-locus DNA barcodes have been developed and applied for rapid species diversity estimates across diverse taxa. However, tree-based and distance-based methods may yield different group assignments, leading to potential overestimation or underestimation of putative species. Here, we investigate the performance of different DNA-based species delimitation approaches to rapidly estimate the diversity of Polypedilum (Chironomidae, Diptera) in South America. Additionally, we test the hypothesis that significant differences exist in the community structure of Polypedilum fauna between South America and its neighboring regions, particularly the Nearctic. Our analysis encompasses a dataset of 1492 specimens from 598 locations worldwide, with a specific focus on South America. Within this region, we analyzed a subset of 247 specimens reported from 37 locations. Using various methods including the Barcode Index Number (BIN), Bayesian Poisson tree processes (bPTP), multi-rate Poisson tree processes (mPTP), single-rate Poisson tree processes (sPTP), and generalized mixed Yule coalescent (sGMYC), we identify molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) ranging from 267 to 520. Our results indicate that the sGMYC method is the most suitable for estimating putative species in our dataset, resulting in the identification of 75 species in the Neotropical region, particularly in South America. Notably, this region exhibited higher species richness in comparison to the Palearctic and Oriental realms. Additionally, our findings suggest potential differences in species composition of Polypedilum fauna between the Neotropical and the adjacent Nearctic realms, highlighting high levels of endemism and species richness in the first. These results support our hypothesis that there are substantial differences exist in species composition between the Polypedilum fauna in South America and the neighboring regions.

First Records of Heartbeats via ECG in a Stingless Bee, Melipona flavolineata (Apidae, Meliponini), during Contention Stress Using Isoflurane as an Anesthetic.

The hemodynamic activity of Melipona flavolineata workers was evaluated during restraint stress for a period of 30 min. The observed parameters were power variation in the elapsed time, and subsequently, six periods of one second were divided and called A, B, C, D, E and F; in each period, the electrocardiographic parameters were evaluated: spike frequency, amplitude, spike intervals and spike duration. The experiment was carried out with eight worker bees of M. flavolineata, for which electrodes of a nickel-chromium alloy were made. The bees were previously anesthetized with isoflurane and properly contained and fixed in a base for stereotaxis in which the electrode was implanted. All these procedures were performed inside a Faraday cage. The results showed power oscillations during the recording, with the highest energy level being between 300 and 600 s. Spike frequency, spike amplitude, interval between spikes and spike duration parameters underwent changes during the restraint stress period. Thus, the cardiac activity of M. flavolineata can be used as a biomarker and can be used to clarify physiological issues or alterations caused by toxic agents and indicate risk factors for these animals.

Prof. Dr. Claudio Gilberto Froehlich, a naturalistic legacy overcoming the biodiversity knowledge shortfalls

ABSTRACT The limited knowledge of biodiversity constrains conservation strategies in a wide range of questions. Overcoming and recognizing these knowledge deficits require integrated efforts by current researchers and constitute crucial challenges for the next generations. Prof. Dr. Claudio Froehlich was a pioneer in implementing a research program integrating ecology and taxonomy, especially in aquatic insects, in Brazil. This special issue was conceptualized to honor his prolific scientific career and constitutes a tribute to the pioneering in Brazilian aquatic entomology. A brief biography of Prof. Dr. Claudio Froehlich was presented as well as 13 papers facing the biodiversity knowledge shortfalls from five insect orders (Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Neuroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera), with behavior reports (Eltonian shortfall), 23 new species described (Linnean shortfall), and distribution records for several taxa (Wallacean shortfall).

New species of Claudiotendipes Andersen, Mendes & Pinho and Tapajos Trivinho-Strixino, Silva & Oliveira from Brazil (Diptera, Chironomidae, Chironominae)

ABSTRACT Two recently revealed genera, Claudiotendipes, consisting of three distinct species, and the monotypic Tapajos, have new species described. We describe and figure Claudiotendipes gilbertoi sp. n., based on male adult specimens collected in the southern Atlantic Forest of Rio Grande do Sul State. Additionally, we describe and figure Tapajos froehlichi sp. n., from male adults collected in the Amazon Forest from Amazonas and Rondônia States. In order to place the newly described T. froehlichi sp. n., minor emendations have been made to the diagnosis and description of Tapajos.

Not just a taxonomist, but a naturalist! The foundations of "Froehlich's Autonomous Stonefly Republic"

ABSTRACT Prof. Dr. Claudio Gilberto Froehlich's career is presented here using numbers and actions guided by a genuine way to study biodiversity, especially aquatic ecosystems. An extensive number of publications is accompanied by an investment in human resources training and establishing a vast network of collaborators and friendships. Dr. Peter Zwick mentioned the Southeast Region of Brazil as "Froehlich's Autonomous Stonefly Republic", to express the magnitude of Prof. Froehlich's scientific production on Neotropical Plecoptera. In this special volume in honor of Prof. Froehlich, the numbers of his career support Zwick's affirmation. Thirty-nine students graduated in MSc and/or PhD courses, two books, and 20 book chapters were published, as well as 95 articles on geoplanids, onychophorans, cnidarians, mayflies, coleopterans, caddisflies, and especially stoneflies. Froehlich's legacy includes different ways to observe nature, from taxonomy to ecology, from flatworms to stoneflies.

The immature stages and female imago of Rheocricotopus (Psilocricotopus) sirventorum Andersen & Mendes, 2012, a Neotropical member of the chalybeatus species group (Diptera, Chironomidae, Orthocladiinae).

The female, larva and pupa of Rheocricotopus (Psilocricotopus) sirventorum Andersen & Mendes, 2012, are described based on specimens collected in southern Brazil. The species is the sole described species of Rheocricotopus Brundin, 1956 from the Neotropical region. The subgeneric placement is confirmed, based on the morphology of the female, larva and pupa. The species belongs in the chalybeatus species group, and a key to the pupae of the group is presented.

Neotropical Nilothauma Kieffer, 1921 (Diptera, Chironomidae): Key, eleven new species, re-descriptions, new combination and new records.

Nine new species of Nilothauma Kieffer, N. hamadae sp. nov., N. jupau sp. nov., N. karitiana sp. nov., N. leccii sp. nov., N. marianoi sp. nov., N. mateusi sp. nov., N. txukuyana sp. nov., N. werekena sp. nov. and N. yekwana sp. nov. are described and figured, based on adult males collected in Brazil and N. maya sp. nov. on an adult male from Mexico; N. terena sp. nov. is described as male, pupa and larva based on a reared specimen from Brazil. Nilothauma aleta Roback, 1960 and N. duena Roback, 1960 are re-described and recorded from Brazil. Nilothauma longissimum Mendes & Andersen, 2009 is transferred to Beardius Reiss & Sublette, 1985 and the diagnosis of Nilothauma is emended. New records of thirteen Neotropical Nilothauma species are given and a key to the males of all known species of Nilothauma is provided.

Brazilian Diplosmittia Sæther: D. trifida sp. n. and new records of D. plaumanni Pinho, Mendes Andersen, 2009 (Diptera: Chironomidae).

Sæther (1981) erected the genus Diplosmittia based on a species from Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent in the British West Indies. The genus was revised by Pinho et al. (2009). To date, the genus comprises ten species: Diplosmittia harrisoni Sæther, 1981; D. carinata Sæther, 1985; D. recisus Sæther, 1988; D. beluina Andersen, 1996; D. forficata Andersen, 1996; D. plaumanni Pinho, Mendes Andersen, 2009; D. boraceia Pinho, Mendes Andersen, 2009; D. aragua Pinho, Mendes Andersen, 2009; D. cerayma Pinho, Mendes Andersen, 2009; and D. caribensis Wiedenbrug Silva, 2016. Diplosmittia sasai Makarchenko Makarchenko, 2005 was placed as a synonym of Pseudosmittia mathildae Albu, 1968 by Makarchenko Makarchenko (2008). Except for D. carinata from Michigan, U.S.A., all species are Neotropical and mostly recorded from the Caribbean and northern part of South America. During field work in a remote mountainous region in the Brazilian Amazon, a unique new species with the gonostylus split into three parts was collected and is described and figured below. In addition, new records of D. plaumanni are provided.

Description of two new species of Polypedilum (Asheum) and immature stages of Polypedilum (A.) curticaudatum (Diptera: Chironomidae).

Two new species of Polypedilum (Asheum) (Diptera: Chironomidae: Chironominae) are described and figured as adult males, P. (A.) sofiae sp. n. collected in the states of Mato Grosso and Rondônia and P. (A.) mayrahu sp. n. collected in the state of Bahia, Brazil. In addition, the adult male of Polypedilum (Asheum) curticaudatum (Rempel) is redescribed based on material from some localities in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Pantanal, and its larva and pupa are described for the first time.

Macropelopia (Macropelopia) patagonica, a new Tanypodinae (Diptera: Chironomidae) from the Patagonian Andes.

One new species of Macropelopia Thienemann (Diptera: Chironomidae: Tanypodinae), M. (Macropelopia) patagonica sp. n. is described and figured as adult male. The specimens were collected from the Patagonian Andes, at San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. In addition, the generic diagnosis of Macropelopia is emended for the adult male.

A new species of Parasycorax and new records of Sycorax (Diptera: Psychodidae, Sycoracinae) from southern Brazil.

Sycoracinae is a subfamily of Psychodidae, currently with 45 extant species (Curler Jacobson 2012; Santos et al. 2013) classified in three genera: Sycorax Haliday in Curtis; Parasycorax Duckhouse and Aposycorax Duckhouse (Duckhouse 1972; Young 1979). Sycorax comprises a majority of this diversity with 40 extant species, 15 of which are recorded from the Neotropical region (Curler Jacobson 2012; Santos et al. 2013). Four fossil species of Sycorax have also been described (Curler Jacobson 2012), including one from middle Miocene Amazonian amber (Petrulevicius et al. 2011). In contrast, Parasycorax includes only four extant species; three from South America and one from the Philippines (Santos et al. 2009) and a fossil species from Cretaceous Burmese amber (Stebner et al. 2015). Here we describe a new species of Parasycorax and provide an updated key to males of all extant and fossil species of the genus. In addition, Sycorax bravoi Santos, Ferreira Falqueto and Sycorax espiritosantensis Santos Bravo are recorded for Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil.

Some notes on taxonomy and distribution of Neotropical Aedokritus Roback and Axarus Roback (Diptera: Chironomidae: Chironominae).

Aedokritus platycnemis Edwards, previously known from northeastern Argentina, is redescribed based on holotype and additional material from Brazil. Axarus cordiformis sp. n. is described and figured, based on a male adult collected in Brazilian Amazon. Aedokritus coffeatus Trivinho-Strixino, Aedokritus souzalopesi Oliveira Messias, Axarus globosus Donato, Mauad Andersen, Axarus intervales Andersen, Mendes Hagenlund and Axarus diabolicus Andersen, Mendes Hagenlund have their distribution extended.

Four new species and some new records of Brazilian frog-biting midges (Diptera: Corethrellidae).

Four new species of Corethrella are described from Brazil. Corethrella xokleng sp. n. and C. cambirela sp. n. are described from males and females, and Corethrella yanomami sp. n. and C. munteantaroku sp. n. are described from a female and male, respectively. Fourteen Corethrella species have new distributional records, with five of these being first records for Brazil. The number of valid species of Corethrellidae known from Brazil is increased from 37 to 46.

Stenochironomus munteanpurin sp. n., a new leaf-mining species from Brazil (Diptera: Chironomidae).

Stenochironomus munteanpurin sp. n. is described and illustrated in all life stages, except eggs, from Brazil. The male is very similar to Stenochironomus quadrinotatus Borkent, 1984 due to same overall pattern of pigmentation. The new species can be distinguished from the other related species principally in immature stages: larva with labral lamella arranged in two groups with one or two conical-shaped teeth, spicules of pecten epipharyngis arranged in a row, unequal and irregularly distributed sizes, SI bifurcated, SII pinnate, SIII pinnate setae and, larval exuviae is compacted; pupa with shagreens being in all TI, less number of hooklets in TII, TVII without shagreens and presence of shagreen in conjunctive III/IV and IV/V. Adult male is very similar to the one of S. quadrinotatus but can be distinguished by combination of the TIX with more than 25 setae medially and phallapodeme curved anteriorly. The new species were collected in the following Brazilian states: Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, Bahia and Acre.

Podonomus amarali n. sp., a new species of the albinervis group (Diptera: Chironomidae: Podonominae) from Atlantic Forest, southern Brazil.

Podonomus amarali sp. n. is described from male, female, larva and pupa collected in the Brazilian Atlantic Highlands. The new species belongs to the albinervis group, which comprises eight Andean species.

Bringing taxonomy to school kids: Aedokritus adotivae sp. n. from Amazon (Diptera: Chironomidae).

Children curiosity about how taxonomy works led me to ask for their help to choose a name for a new species of Aedokritus Roback from Pará State (Brazilian Amazon). Aedokritus adotivae sp. n. is here described based on male adults. A key to species of the genus is provided.

New species and records of Zavreliella Kieffer, 1920 from Neotropical region (Diptera: Chironomidae).

A new species of Zavreliella Kieffer, Zavreliella kambeba sp. n., is described, based on male adults collected in the Amazon rainforest, Brazil. Further seven Zavreliella species are recorded for new localities in Brazil, with the first Neotropical record of Z. marmorata (van der Wulp). The genus Zavreliella is now composed of 15 species, of which adult males are reviewed in a key to their identification.

Hematophagous Flies Attracted to Frog Calls in a Preserved Seasonal Forest of the Austral Neotropics, with a Description of a New Species of Corethrella (Diptera: Corethrellidae).

The signaler-eavesdropper interaction has been investigated for a wide range of organisms, and although many flies feed on calling frogs, this dynamic has been addressed only poorly in the austral Neotropics. We investigated this interaction in southern Brazil using pairs of suction traps (acoustic + silent) broadcasting frog calls or an artificial white noise in ponds and streams. From 139 sessions, flies of the genera Corethrella (Corethrellidae), Forcipomyia (Ceratopogonidae) and Uranotaenia (Culicidae) were collected, including five Corethrella species, the most abundant of which was previously unknown and is formally described here. Additionally, we present the southernmost records of Corethrella lopesi, C. alticola and C. atricornis. Numbers of Forcipomyia midges and Uranotaenia mosquitoes did not differ between silent traps and traps broadcasting frog calls, and did not differ between white noise traps and adjacent silent traps. However, the number of female Corethrella was significantly higher in traps broadcasting calls of the pond-breeding frog P. aff. gracilis compared to adjacent silent traps; calls of this frog attracted the five Corethrella species and also collected significantly more female Corethrella than the white noise. By evaluating different taxa of flies and broadcasting different sounds, we demonstrated that Corethrella midges were attracted only to the acoustic cue of P. aff. gracilis calls, while Forcipomyia and Uranotaenia were captured in traps by chance. Our results suggest that female Corethrella feed on males of the common pond-breeding frog P. aff. gracilis in southern Brazil, and highlight the utility of frog call traps in revealing the diversity of Corethrella in the austral Neotropics.

FAMILY CHIRONOMIDAE.

Only 30 chironomid species distributed in 16 genera and three subfamilies are formally recorded to Colombia. Another 32 genera and two subfamilies have been recorded on larval stage, with no identification at species level. Many new records, genera and species are expected when focusing on systematics of chironomids from Colombia.