Caddisfly Fauna Research Articles

Shar Mountain National Park (R. North Macedonia) - shelter for caddisfly biodiversity in the country

In this paper we discuss the presence of three rare caddisfly species on the Macedonian part of Shar Mountain. Crunoecia bosniaca (Lepidostomatidae) and Drusus sharrensis, (Limnephilidae), are recorded for the first time in the country, while Tinodes kimminsi (Psychomyiidae) is reported for the first time on Shar Mountain. Detailed information about the ecology and distribution of these species is also provided. This study is an important contribution to the knowledge of the caddisfly fauna, not only for R. North Macedonia, but for the whole Balkan Peninsula.

Contribution to the knowledge of the caddisfly fauna of Kosovo with first record of the genus Orthotrichia Eaton, 1873 (Trichoptera, Hydroptilidae)

Contribution to the knowledge of the caddisfly fauna of Kosovo with first record of the genus Orthotrichia Eaton, 1873 (Trichoptera, Hydroptilidae)

New species of the genus Dolophilodes Ulmer 1909 (Trichoptera: Philopotamidae) from Singalila National Park, West Bengal, India.

This paper is another contribution to knowledge of the caddisfly fauna of India. Here we describe and illustrate three new species of Dolophilodes Ulmer 1909: D. dhritiae sp. nov., D. similis sp. nov., and D. laminata sp. nov. all from Singalila National Park, West Bengal. With these additions, genus Dolophilodes is now represented by 9 species from India.

First record of Tinodes maculicornis (Pictet, 1834) (Trichoptera: Psychomyiidae) from the Pannonian region in Slovakia

During our study of the caddisfly fauna of the Danube, its branches and oxbow lakes, including the urban and suburban areas of Bratislava (the capital of Slovakia), we made an unexpected record of the species Tinodes maculicornis (Pictet, 1834), which is the first documented occurrence of this species in the Pannonian ecoregion (Hungarian lowlands) and also the easternmost record so far.

Water quality assessment in an irrigation pond based on adult caddisfly (Insecta: Trichoptera) assemblages

Caddisfly fauna are abundant benthic organisms in freshwater ecosystems and are considered effective bioindicators of water quality. A study of caddisfly biodiversity and its application for use as an indicator species to assess water quality in aquatic environments was conducted in an irrigation pond at the Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand. The specimens were sampled monthly from January to December 2020 by portable light traps. A total of 2,771 adult male caddisflies, representing 7 families, 14 genera, and 30 species, were determined over a period of one year. The four most common species (Setodes gangaya, Cheumatopsyche lucida, Paduniella sampati, and Ecnomus puro) made up approximately 75.49% of the total male abundance. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that nitrate-nitrogen, ammonia-nitrogen, sulfate, pH, and dissolved oxygen were the most influential environmental parameters on Trichoptera assemblages. Caddisfly species Ecnomus puro, E. mammus, and E. utto were positively related to sulfate, whereas Leptocerus lampunensis, Setodes melanippos, and Cheumutopsyche schwendingeri were negatively related. Species of Paduniella sampati, Pseudoneureclipsis tramot, Setodes gangaya, and Leptocerus dirghachuka were positively related to nitrate-nitrogen. The results of this study revealed that the order Trichoptera, identified by species, can be potentially used to assess environmental water quality status in freshwater ecosystems.

Caddisfly (Trichoptera, Insecta) fauna and assemblages of the north-eastern part of the Pannonian Lowland (West Ukraine, Transcarpathia).

The caddisfly fauna of the Transcarpathian part of the Pannonian Lowland was poorly studied formerly. Here, we present the results of a six-year survey (2015-2020) carried out in four sampling sites of the Ukrainian part of the Bereg Plain and provide the actualised checklist of this area. Actually, 7346 specimens of 53 caddisfly species were collected. The number of known caddisfly species increased from 13 to 61. Two species Hydropsycheguttata and Parasetodesrespersellus, which formerly were considered extinct in the Pannonian Ecoregion, were detected and another especially rare species (e.g. Cyrnusflavidus) was also recorded. The fauna of the region cover a significant part of both Hungarian and Ukrainian caddisfly fauna. Assemblages of four characteristic habitat types of the region showed significant differences considering their quantitative and qualitative composition, substrate, current, hydrological- and feeding types. The high diversity and natural value of the small lowland watercourses were proven using a new Caddisfly Conservation Index (CCI) calculated, based on vulnerability and rarity of species. The fauna and assemblages showed a unique character mainly independent from large rivers of the region.

Caddisflies (Trichoptera) of Mongolia: an updated checklist with faunistic and biogeographical notes.

To establish the biogeographic affinities of the caddisfly fauna of Mongolia, published records and results of our faunistic studies were analyzed. This study captured more than 47,000 adults collected from 386 locations beside lakes, ponds, streams/rivers, and springs in ten sub-basins of Mongolia using Malaise traps, aerial sweeping, and ultraviolet lights. In total, 201 species have been recorded, and approximately 269 species may occur in Mongolia according to our estimation. In a comparison of species richness for the family level, the Limnephilidae and Leptoceridae were the richest in species. The families Brachycentridae, Glossosomatidae, and Psychomyiidae had low species richness, but they included the most dominant species in terms of abundance and/or the percentage of occurrence in the samples from multiple sub-basins. Comparing the sub-basins, the Selenge had the highest Shannon diversity (H' = 3.3) and the Gobi sub-basin had the lowest (H' = 1.5). According to the Jaccard index of similarity, caddisfly species assemblages of Mongolia's ten sub-basins were divided into two main groups: One group includes the Selenge, Shishkhed, Bulgan, Tes, and Depression of Great Lakes sub-basins; the other group includes the Kherlen, Onon, Khalkh Gol, Valley of Lakes, and Gobi sub-basins. The majority of Mongolian species were composed of East Palearctic taxa, with a small percentage of West Palearctic and Nearctic representatives and an even smaller percentage from the Oriental region, suggesting that the Mongolian Gobi Desert is, and has been, a significant barrier to the distribution of caddisfly species between China and Mongolia.

Taxonomy and Distribution of Trichoptera in El Harrach Wadi (Northcentral Algeria) with the First Record of Hydropsyche incognita in North Africa.

Data on the caddisfly fauna of Algeria are incomplete and the available information concerns only some regions. In the present contribution, new distribution data on Trichoptera in El Harrach Wadi are given. Sampling campaigns were conducted during 20102013 at 10 sampling sites where eleven species were collected as follows: Hydropsyche fezana Navs 1935, H. incognita Pitsch 1993, H. lobata McLachlan 1884, H. maroccana Navs 1936, H. obscura Navs 1928, H. resmineda Malicky 1977, Hydropsyche sp., Cheumatopsyche sp., Diplectrona sp., Oxyethira sp., and Rhyacophila munda McLachlan 1862. The record of H. incognita Pitsch 1993a is new for Algeria and the Maghreb.

A new species of the genus Hydropsyche Pictet, 1834 (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) from Kurdistan Province, Iran

The caddisfly fauna of the Kurdistan Province in Iran is poorly known, with only a few reported species until now. In this paper, we describe a new species, Hydropsyche kurdistanica Ibrahimi and Mohammadi sp. n. from the Zagros Mountains in Kurdistan. Males of the new species are most close to H. delamarei (Jacquemart, 1965) and H. lundaki Chvojka, 2006, but differ mainly in exhibiting a combination of the following characteristics: (1) dorsal keel of segment IX moderately wide with tapering apex in dorsal view, (2) digitiform appendages moderately long, almost equally wide, with rounded apex, and directed downwards in lateral view, (3) apical part of phallus short and broad, with short, somehow triangularly rounded lateral projections, (4) phallus strongly curved after basal third in lateral view, ventroapically rounded, (5) habitus and wings dark brown to blackish. Hydropsyche kurdistanica Ibrahimi and Mohammadi sp. n. is the twenty-fourth known species of the genus Hydropsyche Pictet, 1834 known from Iran and the second one from Kurdistan Province. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:992D271C-3327-4706-8625-7662CA4E2EF4

The First Report of the Genera Abaria and Drepanocentron (Trichoptera: Xiphocentronidae) from China, with Descriptions of Two New Species.

Simple SummaryThe small family Xiphocentronidae Ross 1949 (186 species and 7 genera) has a wide distribution and high diversity in the Oriental region. Despite the rich biodiversity of Trichoptera in eastern China, only one xiphocentronid genus (Melanotrichia), with three species, is recognized. The status of Xiphocentronidae as an evolutionary lineage distinct from Psychomyiidae has been subject to debate in the past. The specimens in this study provide additional records on the distribution of two genera in China, which are conducive to biological and morphological studies and can also provide molecular data support for further studies.The genera Abaria Mosely 1948 and Drepanocentron Schmid 1982 are recorded in China for the first time. In this study, two new species, Abaria herringbona sp. nov., from Guang-xi, and Drepanocentron fuxiensis sp. nov., from An-hui, are described and illustrated. Male genitalia of these two new species is distinguishable from those of other Abaria and Drepanocentron species. In addition, Melanotrichia attia Malicky & Chantaramongkol 1992 is a new record for the Chinese caddisfly fauna.

Tinodes atlasensis Ibrahimi, Mabrouki & Taybi, sp. nov. (Trichoptera: Psychomyiidae), a new species from Atlas Mountains, Morocco

The caddisfly fauna of North Africa and Morocco is still poorly known, with only a few historical and recent investigations, carried out sporadically. In this paper we describe a new species, Tinodes atlasensis Ibrahimi, Mabrouki & Taybi, sp. nov. from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The new species is closest to Tinodes baenai Gonzales & Otero, 1984, known from the Iberian Peninsula and mainly differs by the shape of segment IX, coxopodites, harpago and the process of basal plate. Tinodes atlasensis Ibrahimi, Mabrouki & Taybi, sp. nov. is the seventh known species of the genus Tinodes Curtis, 1834 from Morocco. Future caddisfly investigations in this North African country will most certainly increase the number of the known species and reveal other new ones.

Three new species of Byrsopteryx Flint microcaddisflies from Peru (Insecta: Trichoptera) including DNA-based larval associations.

In this paper, we have described and illustrated three new species of Byrsopteryx from Peru: Byrsopteryx inti, sp. nov. Byrsopteryx mamaocllo sp. nov., and Byrsopteryx mancocapac sp. nov. Larvae of the latter two were also associated to male specimens based on comparison of a fragment of COI gene and pharate male identification. Byrsopteryx inti sp. nov. and Byrsopteryx mamaocllo sp. nov. share a unique feature: a semi-dome process formed by a thickened area on male forewings. The three species can be easily identified by wing coloration and male genitalia. Furthermore, Byrsopteryx inti sp. nov. can be recognized by its sternum VIII with a median digitate process on posterior margin, slightly capitate; and by long dorsolateral processes from segment VIII, which cross each other apically in dorsal view. Byrsopteryx mamaocllo sp. nov. can be distinguished by sternum VIII bearing a pair of short, posterior, spinelike processes, which are curved inwards and bordered by a rounded, membranous structure, and by a pair of short, heavily sclerotized, dorsolateral processes. Byrsopteryx mancocapac sp. nov. can be distinguished by strong spine-like processes arising dorsally from subgenital plate and by sternum VIII with posterior margin divided into two plate-like lobes. Larvae of B. mamaocllo sp. nov. and B. mancocapac sp. nov. are similar to other Byrsopteryx larvae known. They can be distinguished from each other by the shape of the operculum formed by terga VIII and IX, and number of setae on the second abdominal pleurite. Maximum likelihood analyses of 20 COI sequences, including nine Byrsopteryx species, placed B. inti sp. nov. and B. mamaocllo sp. nov. as sister species and related to a clade including B. gomezi, B. tapanti, and B. esparta, while B. mancocapac sp. nov. was found as sister to B. abrelata. Despite the close phylogenetic relationship found between B. inti sp. nov. and B. mamaocllo sp. nov., they are separated by 14.9% minimum K2P divergence of COI. The highest intraspecific distance observed was 1.4% for B. mancocapac sp. nov. individuals. Although the Peruvian caddisfly fauna has around 320 known species and almost a third of them are microcaddisflies, in this paper we present the first descriptions of Byrsopteryx species for the country.

Contribution to knowledge of the Trichoptera of northwestern Algeria: New species records for the Algerian fauna and taxonomic remarks for the Maghreb fauna.

The caddisfly fauna of Algeria is far from complete. In this study, we present data from Trichoptera sampling in northwestern Algeria (Tafna and Ghazouana River basins) during 20142019, enhancing knowledge of this group in the country. We were able to identify 30 species and 17 genera in the study area. Among the listed taxa, five species (Hydroptila fortunata, Ecnomus deceptor, Tinodes waeneri, Limnephilus lunatus, Setodes argentipunctellus,) are new records for Algeria. An updated species checklist of Algerian Trichoptera includes 63 species. We also provide an update of the Maghreb checklist with comments on species distributions. The Maghrebian caddisfly checklist, which includes 44 Maghrebian endemic species, is still very poor in relation to that of neighboring Mediterranean geographical areas and countries, such as the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), France, or Italy.

Genus Diplectrona Westwood 1840 (Insecta: Trichoptera) in India.

This paper is another contribution to knowledge of the caddisfly fauna of India. We redescribe and illustrate Diplectrona marginata Betten 1909 based on previously collected material as well as from fresh collections. The status of D. marginata is validated after Betten (1909) and Martynov (1935) and a neotype is designated for D. marginata because the remaining syntype has been damaged and is not identifiable. Furthermore, D. kinulta Olh et al. 2020 is considered a synonym of D. marginata based on the similarity of male genitalia. Diplectrona aurovittata (Ulmer 1906) is reported for the first time from India, bringing the number of Indian species of Diplectrona to 10.

A List of the Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) from Kyrgyzstan, with a New Record (Triaenodes reuteri McLachlan 1880).

The Trichoptera include more species than any of the other primarily aquatic orders of insects, which are usually found in clean fresh water. Distribution of the species of an order based on geography can provide guidance for researchers working in the field. In the current study, for the first time, a list of known Trichoptera species in Kyrgyzstan is given along with a new record. The list is prepared based on the relevant literature between 1875 and 2020 and a study conducted in 2012. Literature search revealed that 21 known species of caddisflies of 13 genera and 8 families have been reported from Kyrgyzstan; our research found that Triaenodes reuteri McLachlan 1880 is also present in Kyrgyzstan. We also re-illustrate the male genitalia of T. reuteri and provide a detailed redescription. Based on literature search and our observations, the Kyrgyzstan caddisfly fauna has been poorly studied; it is expected that new records and new species will be found in Kyrgyzstan through further research.

Materials to the fauna of caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) from streams and reservoirs of the Ergaki Natural Park (Western Sayan)

For a little more than a century, researchers have been studying the fauna of caddisflies of streams and lakes of the Ergaki Natural Park. The paper provides a brief overview of studies of the caddisfly fauna in the upper part of the Oya and Us rivers basin. Caddisflies were collected in the Ergaki Natural Park (Western Sayan) in the 2015 using different methods. Altogether, collections were made at 13 sampling sites in the springs, streams and lakes. A total of 17 species belonging to 14 genera and 7 families were collected. Oligotricha lapponica (Hagen, 1864) and Lenarchus sp. are new to the caddisfly fauna of Western Sayan. Five species, Rhyacophila kaltatica Levanidova, Schmid, 1977; R. retracta Martynov, 1914; O. lapponica; Molanna angustata Curtis, 1834 and Lenarchus sp. are added to the list of Trichoptera from Ergaki Natural Park which now comprises 66 species. The highest species richness was recorded for the Bolshoye Lake. For the first time, caddisflies have been listed for lakes Tushkanchik and Nizhnee Buibinskoe, one and three species, respectively. In the Nizhnyaya Buiba River and its tributaries, 8 species of caddisflies were found.

Ecological and faunistic features of caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) in different types of habitats in the Dinaric karst area (Central Croatia)

Caddisfly faunistic and ecological features were studied at 14 sampling sites along the catchment area of the Dobra River. Adults were collected monthly, over a period of 13 months (from early November 2009 until the end of November 2010), using ultraviolet (UV) light trap and entomological net. Physico-chemical parameters of water and air were also measured at all sampling sites. The study encompassed several segments of caddisfly fauna: the composition, new records, the distribution of all recorded species and seasonal dynamics. A total number of 77 species were recorded, out of which 15 species and four genera were new records for Croatian caddisfly fauna. The CCA analysis showed that the water temperature and the altitude had the highest impact on distribution of caddisfly fauna in this area. The results of this study contribute to the increase of faunistic and ecological knowledge of the Croatian caddisflies.

Descriptions of larvae of three species of Hydropsyche Pictet 1834 (Trichoptera, Hydropsychidae) from China.

Adults and larvae of the genus Hydropsyche from Yun-nan and Si-chuan Provinces, China, were examined and the COI barcode gene sequences were obtained and analyzed, adults and larvae of 3 species were successfully associated. Of them, H. uvana Mey 1995 is a new record for the Chinese caddisfly fauna. The larvae of H. cerva Li Tian 1990, H. penicillata Martynov 1931, and H. uvana Mey 1995 are described for the first time. The diagnostic features of the species are described and illustrated.

Taxonomic Catalog of the Brazilian Fauna: order Trichoptera (Insecta), diversity and distribution

Caddisflies are a highly diverse group of aquatic insects, particularly in the Neotropical region where there is a high number of endemic taxa. Based on taxonomic contributions published until August 2019, a total of 796 caddisfly species have been recorded from Brazil. Taxonomic data about Brazilian caddisflies are currently open access at the “Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil” website (CTFB), an on-line database with taxonomic information on the animal species occurring in Brazil. The order Trichoptera at CTFB includes a catalog of species recorded for the country, with synonymic lists, distribution throughout six biomes, 12 hydrographic regions, and 27 political states (including Federal District) from Brazil. The database is constantly updated to include newly published data. In this study, we reviewed the taxonomic effort on Brazilian caddisflies based on data currently in CTFB database. The accumulation curve of species described or recorded from the country, by year, shows a strong upward trend in last 25 years, indicating that it is possible that there are many more species to be described. Based on presence/absence of caddisfly species at three geographic levels (biomes, hydrographic regions, and states), second order Jackknife estimated at least 1,586 species occurring in Brazil (with hydrographic regions as unities), indicating we currently know about 50% of the Brazilian caddisfly fauna. Species distribution by Brazilian biomes reveals that the Atlantic Forest is the most diverse, with 490 species (298 endemic), followed by the Amazon Forest, with 255 species (101 endemic). Even though these numbers may be biased because there has been more intense collecting in these two biomes, the percentage of endemic caddisfly species in the Atlantic Forest is remarkable. Considering the distribution throughout hydrographic regions, clustering analyses (UPGMA) based on incidence data reveals two groups: northwestern basins and southeastern. Although these groups have weak bootstrap support and low similarity in species composition, this division of Brazilian caddisfly fauna could be related to Amazon-Atlantic Forest disjunction, with the South American dry diagonal acting as a potential barrier throughout evolutionary time.

Contribution to the knowledge of the caddisfly fauna of Algeria: An updated checklist of Algerian Trichoptera with new records from the Aures region.

The caddisfly fauna of Algeria is poorly known and the few sporadic studies available were carried out decades ago. In this study, caddisfly larvae, pupae, and adults were collected in 11 stream localities from the Aures region, northeastern Algeria. Caddisflies were regularly sampled between April 2018 and February 2020. Two genera are new records to Algeria: Plectrocnemia and Setodes. In addition, four Trichoptera species are new to the Algerian fauna: Tinodes dives, Hydropsyche modesta, Plectrocnemia conspersa and Setodes acutus. Future caddisfly surveys in the region will doubtlessly contribute significantly to the incompletely known Trichoptera fauna of Algeria.