Abstract
Seven species of Hydraenidae, Hydrophilidae and Elmidae are recorded from temporary freshwater habitats at the Ateneo de Manila University Campus in the metropolitan area of Manila, Philippines. They were identified as Enochrus (Lumetus) fragiloides d’Orchymont, Helochares (Hydrobaticus) lepidus d’Orchymont, Helochares (Helochares) pallens (MacLeay), Hydraena (Hydraenopsis) scabra d’Orchymont, Hydraena (Hydraenopsis) palawanensis Freitag & Jäch (new record for Luzon Island), Stenelmis sp. A further hydraenid species was unknown to science and is newly described: Hydraena (Hydraenopsis) ateneo Freitag, sp. n. Aedeagus, gonocoxite, spermatheca, and female tergite X are illustrated by computer-based line drawings. Habitus images of all three Hydraena Kugelann species recorded and a checklist of the Philippine Hydraena are provided. The presence of these seven species in the Ateneo campus is briefly discussed in regard to the area’s history. Measures to maintain and extend semi-natural islands of biodiversity in urban areas are suggested.
Highlights
The National Capital Region (NCR) of the Philippines, known as Metro Manila, had about 12 Mio inhabitants as of 2010 (NSO 2012) and is among the most populous metropolitan regions of the world when the highly urbanized neighboring areas are included
Aquatic beetles were almost exclusively caught in temporary pools and creeks
A single specimen of an aquatic beetle was caught by an insect light trap near a permanent pond and is included in this study
Summary
The National Capital Region (NCR) of the Philippines, known as Metro Manila, had about 12 Mio inhabitants as of 2010 (NSO 2012) and is among the most populous metropolitan regions of the world when the highly urbanized neighboring areas are included. Its largest administrative unit is Quezon City with more than 2.7 Mio inhabitants (NSO 2012), where the study site, the campus of the Ateneo de Manila University, is situated (Fig. 1A). Subsequent identification revealed the presence of three Hydraena Kugelann species, of which one was undescribed. This discovery is not surprising as the genus is mega-diverse and the hydraenid fauna of many islands of the Philippines is not yet thoroughly studied. Palawan and Busuanga were rather comprehensively studied (Freitag and Jäch 2007). Another survey of the Ateneo de Manila University in Mindoro is currently ongoing
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