Horseflies (Diptera: Tabanidae) from Protected Areas of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Abstract

Examination of horseflies deposited in the Coleccion Entomologica Regional of Universidad Autonoma de Yuca Merida, Yucatan, Mexico (CER-UADY) and Instituto Nacional de Diagnostico y Referencia Epidemiologicos, Mexico City, Mexico (INDRE) collections revealed a significant number of species and new localities from the Peninsula of Yucatan (PY). Previously published information is summarized, and new information about tabanid species reported for PY is presented, with emphasis on the most important protected areas within the biotic province of Yucatan: Celestun, Cuxtal, Dzilam and Ria Lagartos (Yucatan), Calakmul (Campeche), Sian Ka'an and El Eden (Quintana-Roo). Over 5,000 specimens collected by netting, human bait, Malaise traps and light traps were examined. A final list of 29 species, 17 representing state records and three representing PY records, is provided. One species is also reported for the first time from Mexico. Species diversity by state is as follows: Campeche, 19 species, 10 new state records; Quintana Roo, 23 species, 2 new state records; Yucatan, 22 species, 9 new state records. The 29 species reported for the biotic province of Yucatan represents more than 14% of the species known from Mexico. Most of these species have Neotropical or amphitropical affinities. Species showed wide distribution ranges within the biotic province of Yucatan, probably related to climatic and orographic homogeneity, which define the limits of the province. Key words: Tabanidae, Peninsula of Yucatan, Mexico