[Generic diversity of Trichoptera (Insecta) of Paramo Rabanal (Cundinamarca-Boyacá, Colombia)]. / Diversidad genérica de Trichoptera (insecta) en dos microcuencas del Páramo Rabanal (Cundinamarca-Boyacá, Colombia).

Trichopterans are considered an important and diverse biotic element in continental aquatic ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the assemblages of the order Trichoptera in two subwatersheds with a gradient of disturbance. Four sampling events were conducted in two subwatersheds in the Eastern Mountain Range of the Colombian Andes. For the analysis we used rarefaction curves, Bray-Curtis Index and Partitioning Diversity and total richness and Shannon's diversity as metrics. Although total richness was similar between both subwatersheds, abundance was always highest in streams within the conserved subwatershed. Each subwatershed was dominated by different genera, except Ochrotrichia, which was abundant at all sites. Alpha diversity was similar among streams in the conserved watershed, while a reduction in diversity potentially associated with the disturbance gradient was observed in streams of the disturbed subwatershed. Beta diversity (0Dbeta and 1Dbeta) between subwatersheds and among conserved streams was similar, while in disturbed streams a similar gradient to that of alpha diversity was found. The similitude analysis clustered streams according to their conservation status. Differences found in trichopteran assemblages do confirm that the use of their attributes is adequate to assess the conservation status of stream ecosystems. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 2): 97-110. Epub 2014 April 01.

[Leaf litter decomposition in six Cloud Forest streams of the upper La Antigua watershed, Veracruz, Mexico]. / Descomposición de hojarasca en seis arroyos de Bosque Mesófilo de Montaña en la cuenca alta del río La Antigua, Veracruz, México.

Leaf litter decomposition is an important stream ecosystem process. To understand factors controlling leaf decomposition in cloud forest in Mexico, we incubated leaf packs in different streams along a land use cover gradient for 35 days during the dry and wet seasons. We assessed relations between leaf decomposition rates (k), stream physicochemistry, and macroinvertebrates colonizing leaf packs. Physicochemical parameters showed a clear seasonal difference at all study streams. Leaves were colonized by collector-gatherer insects, followed by shredders. Assessment of factors related to k indicated that only forest cover was negatively related to leaf decomposition rates. Thus stream physicochemistry and seasonality had no impact on decomposition rates. We concluded that leaf litter decomposition at our study streams is a stable process over the year. However, it is possible that this stability is the result of factors regulating decomposition during the different seasons and streams.

Molecular Phylogeny of the Family Cordulegastridae (Odonata) Worldwide.

In this study, we present the first attempt at a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the entire family of Cordulegastridae involving 60% of its known species. Our analysis is in favor of reclassification of the members of the family into four genera: (i) the monophyletic genus Anotogaster Selys, 1854, with the number of known species reduced by three synonymizations; (ii) the genus Cordulegaster Leach in Brewster, 1815 including all members of the boltonii group and, as a preliminary solution, the American species C. virginiae Novelo-Gutiérrez, 2018 and, very tentatively, C. diadema Selys, 1868. The bidentata group forms a genus of its own, for which we restored the name Thecagaster Selys 1854, stat. rev. Cordulegaster pekinensis McLachlan in Selys, 1886, currently considered as Neallogaster pekinensis, was placed by us in Thecagaster as well. The genus Neallogaster Cowley, 1934 needs further investigation involving all remaining species listed in it. The genus Zoraena Kirby, 1890, stat. rev., was recovered to accommodate the remaining American species of Cordulegaster. We synonymized three species of Anotogaster: Anotogaster gregoryi Fraser, 1923 = Anotogaster xanthoptera Lohmann, 1993, syn. nov.; Anotogasterkuchenbeiseri (Förster, 1899) = Anotogaster antehumeralis Lohmann, 1993, syn. nov.; Anotogaster kuchenbeiseri (Förster, 1899) = Anotogaster cornutifrons Lohmann, 1993, syn. nov., based on examination of the existing type specimens. The type of specimens of A. klossi Fraser, 1919 = A. flaveola Lohmann 1993 syn. confirm., were also examined, and their synonymy was confirmed. The isolated populations of A. sieboldii (Selys, 1854) from the archipelagos of Okinawa and Amami Oshima in Japan, respectively, should be regarded as separate species, which will be described elsewhere. Furthermore, we suggest the synonymization of Cordulegaster parvistigma Selys 1873 syn. nov. with Thecagaster brevistigma (Selys 1854) comb. restaur.

Description of the larva of Argia chelata Calvert, 1902 (Odonata: Coenagrionidae).

The larva of Argia chelata is described and figured. It falls into the group of Argia larvae with a moderately prominent ligula and two palpal seta, but it differs from its closest relatives by having labial palp with 2 setae plus one basal setella; the length of the ligula is 30% of its maximum width; basal tergites (1-5) lacking long, fine setae, mainly on midline; S8-10 mostly dark brown; paraprocts with spiniform setae on basal 0.25 and 0.55 of dorsal and ventral borders, respectively. Larvae were found in 2nd to 4th order shallow streams in cloud forest, crawling among debris, fine sand and mud where the water flow is slow or still, close to the shoreline. The larva is compared with A. lacrimans (Hagen), A. pima Garrison, and A. tonto Calvert, species apparently closely related. 

Two new species of Psephenops Grouvelle from Belize (Coleoptera: Byrrhoidea: Psephenidae), with a key to the known species from Mexico and Central America.

Two new species, Psephenops spiniparameri sp. nov. and P. shepardi sp. nov. are described, based on specimens collected from Cayo and Toledo Districts in Belize, bringing the total number of described species assigned to the genus to ten.

Revision of the Mesoamerican genus Cataractocoris Usinger (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Nepomorpha: Naucoridae).

The genus Cataractocoris includes large waterfall-inhabiting insects that occur from Mexico to El Salvador and has received very little attention in the literature. Based on extensive field work during the past three years, we have collected saucer bugs (Heteroptera: Naucoridae) from many localities in central and southern Mexico. We here present detailed distributions and diagnostic information of the two described species of Cataractocoris and the description of a third species that occurs from Nayarit state in Mexico south to Guatemala. An illustrated taxonomic key to identify the species also is presented.

The larvae of Cora inca Selys, 1873 and Polythore gigantea (Selys, 1853) from Colombia (Odonata: Polythoridae), with a larval diagnoses of some genera in the family.

The larvae of Cora inca Selys, 1873 and Polythore gigantea (Selys, 1853) were found in first and second order forested streams at the Tatamá Natural National Park in the Colombian Western Andes. Their final larval stadia are here described and figured. Cora inca differs from the larvae of C. cyane Selys, 1853 and C. marina Selys, 1868 by a combination of features including presence of an irregular patch of minute, gray scales to each side of the ventral midline on the ventral pad of hypopharynx, paraprocts with five projections, and the position of epiproct and paraproct projections. On the other hand, the larva of P. gigantea differs from the larva of P. spaeteri Burmeister & Börzsöny, 2003 by antennal scape slightly shorter than 3rd antennomere, prementum 0.10x longer than its widest part, and the position of epiproct and paraproct projections. Although most of the larvae in the family Polythoridae are still unknown, here we discuss the main morphological characteristics that help to diagnose some of the genera in this family, presenting a regional taxonomic key that includes the genera Cora Selys, 1853, Euthore Selys, 1859, Miocora Calvert, 1917, and Polythore Calvert, 1917.

The rediscovery of Heteragrion azulum Dunkle, 1989 with additional notes on the female (Odonata: Heteragrionidae).

Some details of the morphology of the female of Heteragrion azulum Dunkle, 1989 are described for the first time such as the intersternite, and illustrated with high quality photographs, based upon two specimens collected in the tropical rain forest at the region of Los Tuxtlas, in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. A comparison with females of the other three species of Heteragrion Selys, 1862 occurring in Mexico is also provided. Additional data of males of H. azulum collected together with the females are also given, including some illustrations.

Spinosad toxicity to Simulium spp. larvae and associated aquatic biota in a coffee-growing region of Veracruz State, Mexico.

Spinosad is a naturally derived insecticide that has shown potential as a mosquito larvicide. To determine the activity of spinosad against blackflies, late-instar larvae from a community comprising Simulium triittatum (63.6%) and seven other species, including three known vectors of onchocerciasis in Mexico (S. metallicum, S. ochraceum, and S. callidum), were subjected to concentration-mortality laboratory bioassays following World Health Organization guidelines. Cephalic capsule measurements confirmed the relatively homogeneous distribution of experimental larvae. The 50% lethal concentration of spinosad was estimated at 1.48 ppm spinosad (95% confidence interval: 1.07-2.33) for a 10-min exposure period, whereas larvae treated with 0.05 ppm of the organophosphate temephos experienced 61% mortality. Immature aquatic insects were identified to genus and tested for their susceptibility to spinosad in the laboratory. After exposure to 12 ppm spinosad for 10 min, ephemeropterans, odonates, trichopterans, and hemipterans did not experience significantly increased mortality over that of untreated controls, whereas a significant increase in mortality was observed in spinosad-treated Plecoptera (P < 0.001). Tilapia and trout fry exposed to 12 ppm spinosad for 10 min did not experience increased mortality at 24-h postexposure over that of the controls. We conclude that spinosad is less toxic than temephos to these blackfly species, but is likely to have a low impact on nontarget members of the aquatic community.

Diversity and distribution of Odonata (Insecta) larvae along an altitudinal gradient in Coalcomán mountains, Michoacán, Mexico.

Evaluating components of landscape diversity is essential for the implementation of efficient conservation strategies. We evaluated the diversity of Odonata larval assemblages from the Coalcomán mountains (CM), Michoacán, Mexico, and related it to local (site-level) habitat variables. Larvae were collected from shores, riffles and pools in five streams, counted and identified to species, twice per season during 2005. The Shannon Diversity Index (H'), Margalef's Richness Index (R), Simpson's Index as a dominance measure (D) and Pielou's Equitability (J) were used to describe the assemblages, and Renyi's Diversity Profiles were used to order diversity. A Bray-Curtis Similarity Index (BC) was used to evaluate beta diversity. Theoretical richness was estimated using non-parametric and parametric methods. A Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was applied to explore the relationships of species with site-level environmental variables. A total of 12 245 larvae from 75 species, 28 genera and 8 families were recorded. Over all sites, the dominant species were Erpetogomphus elaps, Macrothemis pseudimitans and Argia pulla. The number of species per locality ranged from 18 to 36, and a high number of species (76%) occurred with relative abundances lower than 1%. A differential distribution of species and abundance in streams, time and strata was observed. Renyi's diversity profiles showed diversity was higher in spring and on shores. Most BC similarity values were smaller than 25%, indicating a high turnover rate in the CM. The high turnover rate reflects a differential distribution of the species along the altitudinal gradient, supporting the hypothesis of Mexico as a betadiverse country. According to the slope of Clench's curve, a reliable list of species was gathered. The CM larval assemblage is currently the largest reported for Mexico, and our results support previous proposals of the CM as a species-rich area for conservation.

Two new species of Archaeopodagrion (Odonata, Philogeniidae) from the western foothills of the Tropical Andes, with biological observations and distributional records.

Two new species of the damselfly genus Archaeopodagrion, A. recurvatum sp. nov. and A. mayi sp. nov., are described from the confluence of the Tropical Andes and the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena biodiversity hotspots. Adults differ from the other known species in the shape of female posterior lobe of pronotum and male structures of cerci and paraprocts; the larva differs from other Archaeopodagrion species in the caudal lamellae structure and in the mandibular formula. The two new species are diagnosed, a morphological key to all known males and females in the genus is provided, and geographical distributions are updated. Finally, observations on habitat preferences for each newly described species are provided.

Redescription of the larva of Neoerythromma cultellatum (Hagen in Selys, 1876) (Odonata: Coenagrionidae: Coenagrioninae).

The final instar of Neoerythromma cultellatum (Hagen in Selys, 1876) is redescribed and illustrated based upon reared specimens from Turrialba, Cartago, Costa Rica. This is a detailed complement of the original description provided by García-Díaz (1938) and illustrated with high quality photos of the larval morphology. The larva of N. cultellatum is characterized by a slender, spinulose, and yellow to yellowish-brown body, premental setae 3+1, five palpal setae, male cerci long, and caudal lamella lanceolate, with obvious node, spotted, and markedly tracheate.

Two new species of Colombian Epigomphus (Odonata: Gomphidae).

The Neotropical genus Epigomphus Hagen in Selys, 1854 groups 31 species distributed from Mexico to northern Argentina. Only two species have been recorded so far from Colombia. Here we present two new species found in the north of the Andean Colombian Cordillera Central, Epigomphus rufus sp. nov. and Epigomphus brillantina sp. nov. Full descriptions of adult male and female and adult male respectively, plus diagnoses, pictures of the diagnostic characteristics, natural history notes, and a distribution map are provided.

Description of the larva of the genus Archaeopodagrion Kennedy, 1939 (Zygoptera: Philogeniidae).

The larva of Archaeopodagrion fernandoi Bota-Sierra, 2017, is described and illustrated in detail, being the first larva described for the genus Archaeopodagrion. The description is based on F-0 larvae collected from the type locality. The larva of A. fernandoi shows great resemblance to larvae of Philogenia spp., which adds support to the hypothesis of the monophyletic family Philogeniidae which groups together Archaeopodagrion and Philogenia. However, both genera differ each other by the presence of basal, spiny, fleshy tubercles on caudal lamellae of Archaeopodagrion.

The larva of Amphigomphus somnuki Hämäläinen, 1996 and the first records of the genus Stylogomphus Fraser, 1922 for Thailand (Odonata: Gomphidae).

The larva of Amphigomphus somnuki Hämäläinen, 1996 is described for the first time based on an emerged male specimen from Chiang Mai Province, and several F-0 larvae collected in other provinces of Thailand. The larva of A. somnuki is the smallest and differs from A. nakamurai Karube, 2001 by the caudal appendages densely covered with minute spiniform setae, and from A. hansoni Chao, 1954 by the male epiproct with the dorsal tubercles at 0.65 the length of the epiproct. New province records for A. somnuki and the first records of Stylogomphus Fraser, 1922 for Thailand are provided.

The larva of Phyllogomphoides pugnifer Donnelly, 1979 (Odonata: Gomphidae).

The larva of Phyllogomphoides pugnifer Donnelly, 1979 is described for the first time based on reared specimens to emergence, and several F-0 larvae collected in Chiapas and Veracruz states, Mexico. The larva of P. pugnifer can be separated from other larvae of the genus by the length/width proportion of structures such as prementum, ligula, and abdominal segment 10, as well as length of cercus relative to epiproct.

The probable larva of Anotogaster gregoryi Fraser, 1923, with new distributional records of the genus from northern Thailand (Odonata: Cordulegastridae).

The probable larva of Anotogaster gregoryi Fraser, 1923 is described for the first time by supposition based upon four F-0 larvae collected in the provinces of Loei and Phitsanulok, which are new province records for Anotogaster in Thailand.

The larvae of Phaenandrogomphus Lieftinck, 1964 in Thailand, including the description of P. tonkinicus (Fraser, 1926) with a larval diagnosis and new province records of P. asthenes Lieftinck, 1964 (Odonata: Gomphidae).

The larva of Phaenandrogomphus tonkinicus (Fraser, 1926) is described for the first time based on several F-0 larvae collected in Chiang Mai and Nan provinces of Thailand. The larva of P. tonkinicus differs from that of P. asthenes Lieftinck, 1964 by having the 3rd antennomere mesal margin strongly convex, 4th antennomere vestigial and dome-like, postclypeus thick and shelf-like, S8 lacking a posterolateral spine, and cerci usually shorter than the epiproct. New Thailand province records of P. asthenes also are provided.

Descriptions of the larvae of Acanthagrion speculum and A. trilobatum from Costa Rica (Odonata: Coenagrionidae).

Description of the final instar of Acanthagrion trilobatum Leonard, 1977 and A. speculum Garrison, 1985 is based on associated specimens from San José, Turrialba and Sarapiquí Provinces, Costa Rica. Illustrations of these two species and a comparative table summarizing the main features of all larvae of Acanthagrion described to date are provided. The larva of A. trilobatum is distinguished from that of A. speculum by shorter lateral caudal lamellae (length 7 mm vs. 8.2 mm), lateral carina of abdominal segments 2-8 with spiniform setae on posterior 1/3 (lateral carinae of only S6-8 with spiniform setae in A. speculum), and male gonapophyses incurved (straight in A. speculum).

A synopsis of Phyllogomphoides Belle, 1970 (Odonata: Gomphidae) of Mexico: taxonomy and distribution.

A synopsis of the 13 species of Phyllogomphoides Belle, 1970 known to occur within Mexico is presented. Taxonomic keys for males are based primarily on morphology of anterior and posterior hamules, caudal appendages and of the vulvar lamina in females and includes full descriptions for each species accompanied by high-resolution photographs, drawings, comparative diagnostic notes, natural history and distribution maps. Females of P. danieli González Novelo, 1990 and P. nayaritensis Belle, 1987 are described for the first time. Moreover, new records for P. albrighti (Needham, 1950) for the states of Guerrero; P. danieli González Novelo, 1990 for Colima, Guerrero and San Luis Potosí; P. duodentatus Donnelly, 1979 for Oaxaca; P. luisi González Novelo, 1990 for Nayarit, and P. pugnifer Donnelly, 1979 for San Luis Potosí, are also provided.