Abstract
Here we report the occurrence of Heterotrissocladius (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae) for the first time in Central America, as well as in the Neotropical region. The report is based on sub-fossil chironomid head capsules from surface sediments of a high elevation lake, Lago Magdalena, Guatemala.
Highlights
Central America is an area interesting for ecological and biogeographical studies, since it represents a bridge between two main biogeographical realms, the Nearctic and the Neotropical regions
The littoral surface sediment sample yielded 97 chironomid remains, four of which were tentatively identified as Heterotrissocladius marcidus-type (Fig. 1)
The genus belongs to the subfamily Orthocladiinae and was erected by Spärck (1923) based on descriptions of adults of Metriocnemus cubitalis Kieffer, a junior synonym of Chironomus marcidus Walker, which has been carried as Heterotrissocladius marcidus (Walker)
Summary
Central America is an area interesting for ecological and biogeographical studies, since it represents a bridge between two main biogeographical realms, the Nearctic and the Neotropical regions. Paleolimnological research, i.e. study of lake sediments as environmental archives, in Central America and the Caribbean region remains fragmentary. A recent investigation of sub-fossil Chironomidae from surface sediments of lakes in Guatemala yielded an orthoclad species that was not readily identifiable, suggesting that it was a species unrecorded in Central America.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
