Diversity and Ecological Distribution of Plecoptera of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The order Plecoptera constitutes a relatively small group of aquatic insects, encompassing 17 extant families and comprising over 4400 valid species. In Brazil, the number of valid extant species is 207, located in two families: Perlidae (149) and Gripopterygidae (58). Despite extensive research on the southeastern region of Brazil, there is a notable scarcity of comprehensive studies consolidating geographical records and species richness of Plecoptera in the state of Minas Gerais. This study seeks to increase and refine our understanding of Plecoptera within Minas Gerais, focusing on its diversity and distribution. The initial phase involved a thorough review of articles documenting Plecoptera species in the state. Subsequently, biological material from the Museum of Entomology at the Federal University of Viçosa collection was meticulously identified, and its geographical records were incorporated. Utilizing this dataset, we compiled an updated list of Plecoptera species documented in Minas Gerais. Geographical coordinates of collection points were then mapped and graphically represented to elucidate the geographic and altitudinal distribution of these species. A total of 42 Plecoptera species were identified within the state of Minas Gerais, adding many occurrence records and documenting the first record of Gripopteryx pinima for the state. Despite these advancements, knowledge gaps persist, particularly in the mesoregions of Triângulo/Alto Paranaíba, Oeste de Minas, Vale do Mucuri, and Campo das Vertentes. This endeavor serves as an initial foundation to stimulate further collections and investments in undersampled areas, fostering future monitoring and conservation initiatives for aquatic environments.

Morphology of the male reproductive system and spermatozoa of Smicridea (Rhyacophylax) iguazu Flint, 1983 (Trichoptera, Hydropsychidae).

The Trichoptera, holometabolous aquatic insects found worldwide except in Antarctica, exhibit a unique feature in their sperm, which are solely nucleated (eupyrene). Current knowledge on Trichoptera sperm is limited to Old World species. To enhance our understanding of their reproductive biology and contribute to systematic discussions, we describe the male reproductive system and spermatozoa of Smicridea (Rhyacophylax) iguazu Flint, 1983 (Hydropsychidae). This species lacks seminal vesicles, possesses piriform to oval-shaped testes with spermatozoa grouped in apical bundles and dense filamentous material filling other areas. The vasa deferentia are long and a pair of elongated accessory glands displays distinct proximal and distal regions. The relatively short (∼40 µm) spermatozoa are nucleated, aflagellated, and immobile. Further research could explore variations and assess the taxonomic utility of these features for genus identification within Hydropsychidae.

New Stage and Species Description on Brazilian Thraulodes Ulmer, 1920 (Ephemeroptera, Leptophlebiidae).

We examined material from two poorly documented areas in Brazil concerning the mayfly genus Thraulodes: Minas Gerais, the largest state in Southeastern Brazil, but also the least studied regarding mayflies; and Tocantins, located in the North-Central area of the country. As a consequence of these efforts, we describe a new species from Minas Gerais based on imagos and nymphs, as well as the nymphs of Thraulodes solstitium Orlando, Salles, Boldrini & Krolow, 2021. Thraulodes viola sp. nov. is characterized by the femora translucid with brown maculae and blackish stripe in distal half, and a light brown maculae in proximal half; abdominal terga II-VI translucent white with transversal reddish mark on posterior margins, one antero-lateral reddish dot, one antero-sublateral blackish spot, and one postero-submedian brown spot; penis lobes sinuous sideways, with lateral pouch present and very developed, and apico-lateral area with an ear-like projection; nymph with galea-lacinia dark brown, 14-16 medium-sized pectinate setae in subapical-ventral row. The nymph of T. solstitium nymph is characterized by the galea-lacinia dark brown, 11 medium-sized pectinate setae in a subapical-ventral row.

Hermanella complex on Northern Brazil (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae): New species and stage descriptions

ABSTRACT The male and female imago stage and a new species of the Hermanella complex are described based on material from Pará State, Northern Brazil: Hydromastodon cf. mikei (Thomas & Boutonnet, 2004) and Paramaka froehlichi sp. nov. The male imago of Hydromastodon cf. mikei can be distinguished from Hydromastodon sallesi by the following combination of characters: (1) body color pattern, especially abdominal terga translucent white with terga I to IV washed with black on posterior margin; (2) compound eyes anteriorly rounded; (3) medial projection of the styliger plate short; and (4) penis lobes close to each other and with posterolateral projection as long as ½ of its length. The male imago of Paramaka froehlichi sp.nov. can be distinguished the from the other species of the genus by the following combination of characters: (1) fore and hind wings with membrane brown; (2) legs uniformly yellowish-white, without distal band; (3) abdominal terga II to VI with marks more expanded laterally, median line absent; (4) medial projection of the styliger plate broad; (5) base of telopenis arising at distal ⅔ of penis lobe; and (6): body size of 6.1 to 7.6 mm.

EphemBrazil: a curated online database and dashboard to explore the distribution of mayflies (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) from Brazil

ABSTRACT Despite the growing number of studies on mayflies (Ephemeroptera), especially in terms of description of new species and distributional records, the knowledge generated remains scattered across specialized literature. This dispersion poses a challenge for non-specialists, such as ecologists, hindering their ability to promote studies and conservation actions. In order to fill this gap, we are launching EphemBrazil: an online database focusing on the distribution of mayflies in Brazil. The main objectives of this platform are to compile a dataset of distributional information for the valid species of Ephemeroptera in Brazil, provide open access to this dataset through an interactive and easily updated website, and offer dynamic distributional maps for species, genera, and families of Brazilian mayflies. EphemBrazil aims to facilitate the retrieval and access of distributional and basic taxonomic information for the order.

A new species of Nectopsyche Müller, 1879 (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) and notes on the adults of Nectopsyche splendida ()

ABSTRACT The male and female of a new species in the long-horned caddisfly genus Nectopsyche Müller, 1879 are described from southeastern Brazil. The new species has male genitalia similar to species of the candida-group, but has several endothecal spines in the phallic apparatus similar to those of gemma-group species. The color pattern of the scales and hairs on the head, thorax and forewings is similar to that of Nectopsyche splendida (Navás, 1917), as both species have bands of metallic silver-iridescent scales interleaved with black areas on the forewings. Additionally, we present illustrations of the male and female genitalia of N. splendida and expand the knowledge of its distribution.

Two new species of Simothraulopsis Demoulin, 1966 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) from Roraima State, northern Brazil.

Two new species of Simothraulopsis (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) are described and illustrated, based on recent collections and specimens deposited in the Zoological Collection of Universidade Federal de Roraima (UFRR), northern Brazil. Simothraulopsis pacaraima sp. nov. differs from others species by the telopenis being spine-like, short (less than the half of total length of penis lobes) and slightly directed laterally, and the penis lobes with a medial knob between them. Simothraulopsis rainori sp. nov. differs from others species by the telopenis being spine-like, mid-sized (less than the half of total length of penis lobes) and ventrally directed with the apex bent outward, and the penis lobes fused in their basal 1/3, with a well-marked sclerotized region; each lobe is laterally swollen and protruding.

Redescription of adults, nymphs and taxonomic notes on the Southern Brazilian mayfly Ulmeritus saopaulensis (Traver, 1946) (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae)

ABSTRACT The small mayfly genus UlmeritusTraver, 1956 currently includes three species of Neotropical Leptophlebiidae (Ephemeroptera) distributed in southern South America in the Pampean and Atlantic Forest dominions: U. carbonelli (Uruguay), U. balteatus (Brazil and Uruguay) and U. saopaulensis (Brazil). Ulmeritus saopaulensis is a poorly known endemic species from Brazil. Based on material from a single locality in Minas Gerais, we complement the knowledge on this species with a redescription of adults and nymphs and describe the eggs for the first time. The confusing nomenclatural history and the correct spelling of the specific name saopaulensis is discussed in light of International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. This paper points out that in despite of recent advances on the knowledge of this genus a full taxonomic review and phylogenetic analyses are pending to solve species delimitation and evolutionary relationships.

Description of a new species, nymphs of two known species and a new record of Miroculis/ Edmunds, 1963 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) from Brazil.

Miroculis is one of the most diversified Neotropical genera of Leptophlebiidae in South America with 26 species currently known. In this work we describe a new species of Miroculis based on imagos from Amazonas, and the unknown nymphs of Miroculis (Miroculis) caparaoensis and Miroculis (Ommaethus) misionensis, both associated with imagos. In addition, Miroculis (Ommaethus) misionensis is recorded for the first time from Brazil.

The morphology of the eggs in the Hermanella complex (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae)

ABSTRACT The Hermanella complex is a well-established monophyletic group of Hagenulinae mayflies, but the phylogenetic relationships among its members are still being discussed. In order to fill some gaps in the taxonomy of this group we describe, for the first time, the eggs of eight species of this complex (Hermanella amere, Hermanella mazama, Hydromastodon sallesi, Hydrosmilodon gilliesae, Hydrosmilodon plagatus, Leentvaaria palpalis, Paramaka incognita, Paramaka sp.) using scanning electron microscopy, including some important members whose generic allocation have been questioned. The egg morphology in these eight species of Hermanella complex and their similarities with other species of the complex are discussed.

Thraulodes marianoi sp. nov., a remarkable new species of mayfly (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) with dark wings from the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Thraulodes marianoi sp. nov. is described, illustrated and diagnosed based on a single male imago from a subtropical forest at Pico do Marumbi State Park, in the protected area of Mananciais da Serra, state of Paraná, Brazil. Based on the dark coloration of legs and the large dark spot at base of forewing, T. marianoi sp. nov. is similar to species of the niger-group (Peruvian Amazonia) and to T. basimaculatus Giordano Domínguez, 2005, a species endemic to Bolivia. The new species can be distinguished from all other species in the genus Thraulodes Ulmer, by the combination of following characteristics: (1) four cross-veins basal to bulla in forewing; (2) brown area covering about of proximal half of the forewing; (3) pleura violet; (4) middle and posterior femora yellowish washed with dark brown; (5) terga and sterna I-IV white washed with dark brown on posterior and lateral margin terga and sterna V-X dark brown; (6) penes short and wide with distolateral area, "ear-like" and poorly developed lateral pouch; (7) styliger plate triangular, median projection short and rounded on the apex. This new species represents the first record of the genus from the state of Paraná, Brazil.

New genus and species of Baetidae (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) from Brazil.

One new taxon was brought to light during an Ephemeroptera survey in Roraima state, but it was not described. This new taxon was included in a cladistics analysis (as Gen A) in order to delimitate some Baetidae genera, and it was recovered as a new genus. Taking in account that the new genus and species status were already defined in a previously published paper, the objective of this study was to describe it based on imagoes and nymphs, and formally name it as Macuxi tunamore gen. nov. sp. nov. The new genus is sister group of Rhopyscelis Cruz, Salles Hamada + Varipes Lugo-Ortiz McCafferty clade, and can be differentiated from both mainly by the absence of long and stout setae on femora of all legs. Several characteristics were obtained in the morphological analyses to distinguish the new genus from other genera, but the paraglossa and glossa with pectinate setae, and claw with two rows of denticles, one reduced and other with apical ones larger than the others, are highlighted.

Contribution to the taxonomy of Paracloeodes Day 1955 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) from South America.

In recent decades, major advances in the systematics of the Western Hemisphere genus Paracloeodes Day have been made in South America. Despite the taxonomic progress, uncertainties in identification remain due to the morphological similarities among some nymphs and due to the general lack of knowledge of the imago stages (only 4 of 20 are described from throughout the range of the genus). This study addresses these impediments in part through description of the male imagoes of six species (P. atroari Nieto Salles, P. binodulus Lugo-Ortiz McCafferty, P. ibicui Lugo-Ortiz McCafferty, P. pacawara Nieto Salles, P. peri Nieto Salles, P. waimiri Nieto Salles), description of two new species based on morphologically distinct nymphs (P. aristotelesi sp. n. and P. carolinae sp. n.), description of one new species based on morphologically distinct nymph and male imago (P. prismatobranchus sp. n.); redescription of three species based on type material (P. ibicui Lugo-Ortiz McCafferty, P. leptobranchus Lugo-Ortiz McCafferty and P. eurybranchus Lugo-Ortiz McCafferty); proposal of one new synonym based on morphological analyses of specimens from Bolivia, Brazil and Uruguay, including type specimens (P. pacawara = P. morellii Emmerich Nieto); and the presentation of a new key to identify nymphs from South America to the species level.

Tricorythodes tragoedia sp. nov. (Ephemeroptera: Leptohyphidae), a new species from Rio Doce and surrounding areas, southeastern Brazil.

A new species of Tricorythodes Ulmer (Ephemeroptera: Leptohyphidae) is described and illustrated based on nymphs and adults from the Doce River and surrounding areas in southeastern Brazil. Tricorythodes tragoedia sp. nov. is related to T. arequita Traver, T. mirca Molineri and T. sallesi Dias, Cabette & De Sousa, but its nymphs can be distinguished from these species by having a three-segmented maxillary palp with apical seta and one pair of submarginal denticles on the tarsal claws. Nymphs were collected from small to large rivers at altitudes of less than 100 m where they inhabit submersed substrates in areas with slow current. Nymphs and adults were found throughout the year.

Four new species of Callibaetis Eaton (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae), nymphal description of Callibaetis (Abaetetuba) fasciatus (Pictet) and keys for South American species of Callibaetis.

The first phylogenetic study of Callibaetis Eaton indicated an unrevealed diversity in this genus, including four new species named as Callibaetis sp. A, B, C and D, and the undescribed nymph of Callibaetis (Abaetetuba) fasciatus (Pictet). Given that neither the nymph of C. (Ab.) fasciatus nor the four new species received a proper description, the objective of this study is to describe them. The nymph of C. (Ab.) fasciatus differs from the others species in the subgenus by the presence of one row of setae on basal part of inner-dorsal row of maxilla and metanotum without spines; Callibaetis sp. A is described as Callibaetis (Abaetetuba) cochlea sp. nov. and differs from the others species in the subgenus by having trapezoid segment III of labial palp in nymphs; Callibaetis sp. B is described as Callibaetis (Aiso) calophenigyn sp. nov. and differs from the others species in the subgenus by the absence of stout setae on dorsal surface of glossa in nymphs, and from the others species in the genus by the forewing with red C and Sc areas in female imago; Callibaetis sp. D is described as Callibaetis (Callibaetis) molinerii sp. nov. and differs from the others species in the subgenus, from South America, by the maxilla with tuft of stout setae on outer margin proximad of palp insertion and paraglossa without row of stout setae on ventral surface; Callibaetis sp. C is described as Callibaetis (Cunhaporanga) imperator sp. nov. and differs from the others species in the subgenus by the presence of a complete row of setae on outer margin of maxilla. Additionally, new keys for species of Callibaetis from South America are proposed.

Taxonomic and distributional notes on Spongilla-flies (Neuroptera: Sisyridae) from Southeastern Brazil with first interactive key to the species of the country.

Based on adults collected from Espírito Santo, Southeastern Brazil, we present the first reports of Sisyridae from the state, expanding the known distributional range of five species of Climacia McLachlan and Sisyra Burmeister. Adults were collected throughout two basins, Rio Doce and São Mateus, and its tributaries in the north of the state with Pennsylvania light trap. Two species are reported for the first time from Southeastern Brazil. Furthermore, we describe the male of Climacia basalis Banks and compare it with the male of its junior synonym, C. desordenata Monserrat. In addition, traditional and interactive keys are proposed for the identification of all the species of Sisyridae reported from Brazil.

New species and records of Perlidae (Plecoptera) from Espírito Santo State, Brazil.

Two new species of the perlid genus Anacroneuria, A. rotunda n. sp and A. pitii n. sp are described from Espírito Santo State, Brazil. Additionally, six species of Anacroneuria and four species of Kempnyia are reported for the first time from Espírito Santo State. Records are also provided for A. debilis, A. subcostalis, K. flava, K. gracilenta, and K. neotropica. An undetermined species of Macrogynoplax based on nymphs is also reported from Espírito Santo State.

Additions and corrections to the systematics of mayfly species assigned to the genus Callibaetis Eaton 1881 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) from South America.

Due to historical taxonomic impediments, species of Callibaetis Eaton are difficult to identify. Recent studies have attempted to resolve this problem, although many species still lack complete descriptions; nymphs of several species remain undetermined; and type specimens are lost or poorly known. Given these hindrances, the aim of this study is to review some of the type specimens of Callibaetis from South America. This review provides a series of taxonomic additions and corrections supported by improved morphological evaluations, illustrations and photographs of Callibaetis camposi Navás, C. (Abaetetuba) capixaba Cruz, Salles & Hamada, C. gregarius Navás, C. (C.) guttatus Navás, C. jaffueli Navás, C. (C.) jocosus Navás, C. nigrivenosus Banks, C. (A.) pollens Needham & Murphy, C. (C.) radiatus Navás, C. (A.) sellacki (Weyenbergh), C. stictogaster Navás, C. (C.) viviparus Needham & Murphy, C. (C.) willineri Navás, and C. (C.) zonalis Navás. From among these species, C. stictogaster and C. jaffueli are revalidated; C. nigrivenosus and C. gregarius are designated as nomina dubia; C. (C.) fluminensis Cruz, Salles & Hamada is proposed as a junior subjective synonym of C. (C.) zonalis; and C. gloriosus Navás is proposed as a junior subjective synonym of C. (A.) sellacki (Weyenbergh). Lectotypes are designated for C. camposi, C. jaffueli, C. (C.) radiatus and C. stictogaster.

Stage description, new combination and new records of Neotropical Brachycercinae (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae).

We present taxonomic contributions and new records for Neotropical Brachycercinae based on material from Brazil. We performed a phylogenetic analysis in order to test the relationship between Alloretochus Sun & McCafferty, 2008 and Latineosus Sun & Mc- Cafferty, 2008, and Alloretochus sigillatus was recovered in the Latineosus clade. Therefore, we propose a new combination, Latineosus sigillatus comb. n. The nymph of Latineosus sigillatus is described and is associated with imago through molecular tools. Moreover, Alloretochus peruanicus (Soldán, 1986) is reported for the first time from Brazil.

Checklist of Ephemeroptera (Insecta) from São Mateus River Basin, Espírito Santo, Brazil

ABSTRACTIn order to expand the knowledge on the composition of Ephemeroptera from large rivers, we present, herein, the first survey of mayflies from the São Mateus River Basin, Espírito Santo State. Adults were collected biannually in 2012 and 2013 with the aid of Pennsylvania light trap in eleven points distributed in the main river of the river basin, São Mateus River and its two main tributaries, Cotaxé River (Braço Norte) and Cricaré River (Braço Sul). Thirty-three species were identified (22 nominal and 11 morphospecies) in 24 genera and five families. One genus and one species are reported for the first time from Brazil, three species from Southeastern Region of Brazil, and two species from the state. Five species and one genus not previously described were also found. Moreover, around 20% of the known species of mayfly registered from the state were found. This work reinforces the need to give more attention to research on large rivers due to the high potential for diversity, not only for Ephemeroptera, but also for other aquatic insects.