The Trichoptera of Panama XXIV. Fifteen new species and two new country records of the caddisfly genus Neotrichia (Trichoptera, Hydroptilidae), with a key to all known Panamanian species.

In this paper, 15 new species of microcaddisflies in the genus Neotrichia Morton, 1905 (Trichoptera, Hydroptilidae) from Panama are described and illustrated: Neotrichiaabrebotellasp. nov.; Neotrichiacandelasp. nov.; Neotrichiacodazasp. nov.; Neotrichiaemberasp. nov.; Neotrichiaflennikenisp. nov.; Neotrichiahondasp. nov.; Neotrichialandisaesp. nov.; Neotrichialenatisp. nov.; Neotrichiamindyaesp. nov.; Neotrichiapanamensissp. nov.; Neotrichiaparajarochitasp. nov.; Neotrichiaparaxicanasp. nov.; Neotrichiasnixaesp. nov.; Neotrichiaspanglerisp. nov.; Neotrichiaveraguasensissp. nov. In addition, two new country records are presented: Neotrichiaminutisimella (Chambers, 1873) and Neotrichiavibrans Ross, 1944. Finally, the male of N.vibrans is re-illustrated, the female is illustrated and descriptive information given, and a key is provided to the males of all current Neotrichia species in Panama. There are now 45 species of Neotrichia and a total of 525 Trichoptera species recorded from Panama.

Agriculture impairs stream ecosystem functioning in a tropical catchment.

The expansion of agriculture is particularly worrying in tropical regions of the world, where native forests are being replaced by crops at alarming rates, with severe consequences for biodiversity and ecosystems. However, there is little information about the potential effects of agriculture on the functioning of tropical streams, which is essential if we are to assess the condition and ecological integrity of these ecosystems. We conducted a litter decomposition experiment in streams within a tropical catchment, which were subjected to different degrees of agricultural influence: low (protected area, PA), medium (buffer area, BA) and high (agricultural area, AA). We quantified decomposition rates of litter enclosed within coarse-mesh and fine-mesh bags, which allowed the distinction of microbial and detritivore-mediated decomposition pathways. We used litter of three riparian species representing a gradient in litter quality (Alnus acuminata > Ficus insipida > Quercus bumelioides), and examined detritivore assemblages through the contents of litterbags and benthic samples. We found that the increasing agricultural influence promoted microbial decomposition, probably due to nutrient-mediated stimulation; and inhibited detritivore-mediated and total decomposition because of reduced detritivore numbers, most likely caused by pesticides and sedimentation. Effects were evident for Alnus and Ficus, but not for Quercus, which was barely decomposed across the gradient. Our study provides key evidence about the impact of agriculture on tropical stream ecosystem functioning, which is associated to changes in stream assemblages and may have far-reaching repercussions for global biochemical cycles.

Anacroneuria (Plecoptera: Perlidae) del río Caldera, Chiriquí, Panamá: nuevos registros de distribución, y comentarios sobre distribución altitudinal y variación estacional / Anacroneuria (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from Caldera River, Chiriquí, Panamá: new distribution records, and comments on altitudinal distribution and seasonal variation

Resumen Plecoptera es un grupo basal de insectos acuáticos, también conocidos como "moscas de piedra". Con el objetivo de contribuir al conocimiento taxonómico y ecológico del género Anacroneuria, se realizaron recolectas de ninfas en la parte alta y media del río Caldera, en la provincia de Chiriquí. Para esto se hicieron giras de campo una vez al mes de enero a diciembre de 2015. En siete estaciones de muestreo, se recolectaron ninfas en rocas y hojarasca sumergida, de forma manual con pinzas entomológicas y con red triangular, para su posterior cría en sistemas de acuarios en el laboratorio. Se recolectaron 485 ninfas, con la emergencia de 138 adultos. Cinco especies de Anacroneuria: Anacroneuria annulipalpis, A. benedettoi, A. planicollis, A. quetzali, A. marca y dos especies no identificadas fueron determinadas a través de la crianza de ninfas en laboratorio. El rango de distribución de A. benedettoi fue extendido a la provincia de Chiriquí. El primer registro de A. quetzalipara Panamá es comentado. Se aporta datos de distribución altitudinal, variabilidad estacional y requerimientos ambientales. Se recomienda ampliar los estudios sobre las asociaciones de ninfas con las formas adultas en otras áreas de Panamá y del Neotrópico, así como incrementar el conocimiento sobre la biología y ecología de este grupo.

Abstract Plecoptera order is a basal group of aquatic insects, also known as stonefly. In order to contribute to the taxonomic and ecological knowledge of the genus Anacroneuria, nymphs were collected in the upper and low parts of the Caldera River, in the Chiriquí province. For this, field trips were carried out once a month, from January to December of 2015. A total of seven stations were sampled, and nymphs were collected on rocks and submerged leaf litter, manually with entomological tweezers, and with a triangular net; nymphs were later transported and reared in aquarium systems in the laboratory, and their growth was followed. A total of 485 nymphs were collected, with the emergence of 138 adults. Five species of Anacroneuria: Anacroneuriaannulipalpis, A. benedettoi, A. planicollis, A. quetzali, A. marca and two unknown species were obtained after nymphs rearing. The distribution range of A. benedettoi was extended to the Chiriqui province. The first record for A. quetzaliin Panamá is commented. In addition, data of altitudinal distribution, seasonal variability and environment requirements were mentioned. We recommend to expand studies on Plecoptera nymph associations with adult forms in other areas of Panama and the Neotropics, as well as to increase the knowledge about their biology and ecology. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(1): 164-177. Epub 2018 March 01.