The net‐winged midges of Italy and Corsica (Diptera: Blephariceridae)

Abstract

Abstract A synopsis of Italian and Corsican Blephariceridae is provided. Approximately 9,000 specimens have been studied, most from the Apennines and Sicily. 18 species of all 5 European genera are known from this region, their distribution is shown on maps. Several faunal elements are distinguished. Of the 5 Alpine species, 3 are also recent immigrants to the northern Apennines. Liponeura cinerascens is widespread in Europe and seems to be long established in Corsica and in the Apennines. In Central and South Italy and Sicily, there are 5 endemic species, one of the widespread cinerascens‐group of Liponeura the other of the decipiens‐group with relatives in Corsica, Sardinia, North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. Except L. cinerascens all species in Corsica and Sardinia are endemic and most are Tyrrhenian elements. However, additional species of Dioptopsis and of Apislomyia occur only in the eastern Mediterranean Region. Notes on life cycles and on habitat preferences are included. A stenothermous mont...