Baetis zdenkae sp. nov., a new representative of the Baetis buceratus species-group (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) from Rhodos (Greece) with notes to species-grouping of the subgenus Baetis Leach, 1815 s. str.

Abstract

The male and female imago (subimago of both sexes unknown), and larva of a new species belonging to the Baetis buceratus species-group, namely Baetis (Baetis) zdenkae sp. nov. from Rhodos Island are described and illustrated in detail. Substantial diagnostic characters of males and larvae of the whole B. buceratus species-group are summarized and its position relative to other species groups is discussed. Critical characters distinguishing B. zdenkae sp. nov. from all other representatives of the B. buceratus species-group are emphasized and a discussion of 22 characters of the remaining 6 European species-groups of the subgenus Baetis Leach, 1815 s. str. and their relationships is offered. Available data on the biology of B. zdenkae sp. nov. (vertical distribution, habitat, current and substrate preference, abundance and density, possible life cycle type, and mating flight and oviposition patterns) and distribution with respect to possible endemism are given. Basic data on biology and area of distribution of Westpalaearctic species Baetis (Baetis) buceratus Eaton, 1870, B. (B.) nexus Navás, 1918 and B. (B.) spei Thomas & Dia, 1985 known only from Lebanon are summarized and compared to those of B. zdenkae sp. nov.