Caddisfly Species Research Articles

Differential Responses of Two Ecologically Similar Case-Bearing Caddisfly Species to a Fish Chemical Cue: Implications for a Coexistence Mechanism.

The mechanisms for the coexistence of multiple species occupying the same ecological niche are often puzzling. Predator effects on competitively superior species is one possible mechanism. In this study, we tested whether the presence of size-selective predators (fishes) acts as a mechanism for the coexistence of two species of case-bearing caddisfly larvae, Perissoneura paradoxa and Psilotreta kisoensis (Odontoceridae, Trichoptera). The larvae of these two species have similar ecological and life history traits except their body size, and they have been found to coexist only in habitats shared with predatory fishes. Experiments on intra and interspecific competition revealed that the larger Pe. paradoxa always outcompeted the smaller Ps. kisoensis in the absence of predatory fishes, suggesting that Pe. paradoxa performed intra-guild predation on Ps. kisoensis. We also conducted experiments to examine how strongly each of these species responded in terms of case repair with/without a predator chemical cue after their cases were partly dismantled. Perissoneura paradoxa exhibited a stronger case repair response in the presence of a predator chemical cue than that exhibited by Ps. kisoensis, suggesting that Pe. paradoxa is more vulnerable to fish predation, probably because their body size is in the preferred prey range of fishes. We suggest that the presence of predators works in the favor of smaller, subordinate species through size-selective predator effects, enabling these two competitive species to coexist in the same habitat.

Checklist and new species of caddisfly (Insecta: Trichoptera) from Roraima state, Brazil.

We conducted an inventory of the Trichoptera fauna of Serra do Tepequém, Amajari municipality (county), Roraima state, Brazil. Adult caddisflies were collected with Pennsylvania and Malaise traps operated beside three 2nd-order streams near the summit of Serra do Tepequém. We identified 27 Trichoptera species (including two new species), all representing new records for the state of Roraima, five of these species are recorded for the first time in Brazil. In this study, two new species are described: Marilia mahedae sp. nov. differs from all other species of the genus by the following combination of characters: Segment X subquadrate in dorsal view, bipartite, membranous mesally, with short apical V-shaped incision; preanal appendages wide at base in lateral view; endotheca with an acute subapicoventral projection, directed anterad in lateral view; phallotheca very short. Polyplectropus tepequemensis sp. nov. differs from all other species of the genus by the following combination of characters: Posterior margin of sternum IX nearly straight; slightly sclerotized intermediate appendages broad in the basal 2/3 and abruptly slender apically; two phallic ducts, each with an endothecal spine. With this inventory the number of Trichoptera species for Roraima state increased from 37 to 65.

Deciphering the origin of mito-nuclear discordance in two sibling caddisfly species.

An increasing number of phylogenetic studies have reported discordances among nuclear and mitochondrial markers. These discrepancies are highly relevant to widely used biodiversity assessment approaches, such as DNA barcoding, that rely almost exclusively on mitochondrial markers. Although the theoretical causes of mito-nuclear discordances are well understood, it is often extremely challenging to determine the principal underlying factor in a given study system. In this study, we uncovered significant mito-nuclear discordances in a pair of sibling caddisfly species. Application of genome sequencing, ddRAD and DNA barcoding revealed ongoing hybridization, as well as historical hybridization in Pleistocene refugia, leading us to identify introgression as the ultimate cause of the observed discordance pattern. Our novel genomic data, the discovery of a European-wide hybrid zone and the availability of established techniques for laboratory breeding make this species pair an ideal model system for studying species boundaries with ongoing gene flow.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the North American caddisfly Anabolia bimaculata (Insecta: Trichoptera: Limnephilidae)

The caddisfly Anabolia bimaculata, is a rapidly-maturing caddisfly found in temporary ponds across western North America. Whole genome Illumina sequencing facilitated the assembly of a complete circular mitochondrial genome of 15,048 bp from A. bimaculata consisting of 78.2% AT nucleotides, 22 tRNAs, 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNAs and a control region arranged in the canonical and ancestral gene order found in insects. This gene order is consistent with the gene order found in most other caddisfly species. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic reconstruction places A. bimaculata within a monophyletic Order Trichoptera and sister to the primitive lepidopteran Micropterix calthella (Micropterigidae).

Representatives of caddis flies of Integripalpia suborder in the system of environmental monitoring of the South Ural rivers

In the following paper the author tries to find a possibility to use larvae of caddis flies of Integripalpia suborder to increase a significance of bioindicator researches during environmental monitoring of the South Ural rivers. Analysis of caddis flies types constancy was carried out in 17 state water posts on the rivers flowing across the territory of South Ural from 2005 to 2016. As chemical characteristics such indexes as content in river waters of compounds of manganese, nickel and iron, oil products, phenols, ammonium nitrogen, coppers, zinc, COD, BOD₅, sulfates, chlorides, nitrite nitrogen were used. Specific combinatorial index of water impurity was used as a complex index. In total constancy evolution of 7 species of larvae of caddis flies of Integripalpia suborder was analyzed. Its the first time the author has made a list of constant, additive and casual types of Integripalpia on the studied territory. The author has revealed significant correlative dependences between constancy of larvae of species of caddis flies with a number of hydro chemical indexes. The author has made regression models used to forecast constancy of larvae of Integripalpia suborder types depending on concentration of the pollutant containing in river waters.

Structure of antennal sensilla in the caddisfly genus Rhyacophila pictet (Trichoptera, Rhyacophilidae)

Microstructure and distribution of sensilla were studied in 25 species of caddisflies of the family Rhyacophilidae for the first time. Comparative analysis allowed 13 sensilla types to be identified in members of this family: long grooved trichoid, curved trichoid, chaetoid, mushroom-like pseudoplacoid, forked pseudoplacoid, leaf-like pseudoplacoid, dissected pseudoplacoid, multiforked pseudoplacoid, styloconic, auricillic, coronal, basiconic sensilla, and Bohm’s bristles. The largest variations were found in the pseudoplacoid sensilla. Dissected, leaflike, auricillic, and multiforked sensilla were discovered in the order Trichoptera for the first time. Curved trichoid sensilla can be grouped or assembled into sensory fields. The total number of sensilla per antennal segment decreases towards the antenna apex. Data on the structural diversity of sensilla in groups of fast-evolving species suggest the participation of sensilla structures in the speciation processes.

Trichoptera of Serra da Jibóia, Bahia, Brazil: new species of Helicopsyche (Helicopsychidae) and new records

Located in Northeast Region of Brazil, Bahia state, Serra da Jibóia is a mountain range situated between the Atlantic Forest and semiarid Caatinga ecoregions. In the present work the diversity of the caddisfly fauna from Serra da Jibóia was investigated during a seven-year period. We collected 3,472 adults, identifying 40 caddisfly species belonging to 26 genera and 11 families, of which 8 species are new records for the state. In this inventory we present the composition, abundance, and sex ratios of the species identified in the study. We also described a new species, Helicopsyche (Feropsyche) guariru n. sp., recognized by having the inferior appendage elongate, tapering to a pointed apex, and its basomesal lobe reduced to a small process bearing one or two short spine-like setae apically.

Larval growth and metabolic energy storage of Micropterna lateralis (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) in an intermittent stream: glycogen dominates in final instars

The caddisfly species Micropterna lateralis is an abundant representative of limnephilids in intermittent streams. Yet, its basic life history characteristics and adaptations related to environmental factors, such as stream drying, are comparatively understudied. Here, we investigated larval growth and metabolic energy reserves (glycogen, triglycerides) through development in their natural habitat. We concentrated on the larval development because this period represents the important phase of energy accumulation necessary for growth, metamorphosis and embryogenesis. Besides larval physiology, female adults were studied in terms of ovarian maturation. Our results indicate that adult females lack an imaginal diapause, which is otherwise often observed in intermittent stream-inhabiting Limnephilidae. Further, M. lateralis is univoltine and exhibits a relatively fast larval development with five distinct instars, of which four are characterised here (instars II–V). Accrual of biomass occurs in final instars, where a high amount of glycogen is accumulated. Lipid concentrations, on the other hand, are kept constant in final stages and slightly lower than in preceding instars. This dominance of glycogen in final instars found in M. lateralis is highly unusual in insects and of potential adaptive significance for the species’ ability to exploit intermittent habitats.

New Records of Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) from Kentucky

Four caddisfly species are reported from Kentucky for the first time. In addition, one reported record is verified via specimen collections. This paper updates the total number of caddisfly species for the state of Kentucky to 298 species.

List of Rhode Island Caddisflies (Trichoptera) with New Records from Block Island

ABSTRACT: Eleven species of caddisflies are reported from Block Island, Washington County, Rhode Island, nine of which are new state records. A complete updated list of Rhode Island Trichoptera is provided.

First DNA barcoding and new records of the Mediterranean caddisfly species Micropterna wageneri Mal. (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae) in Croatia with note on DNA barcoding and diversity of genus Micropterna in Croatia

First DNA barcoding and new records of the Mediterranean caddisfly species Micropterna wageneri Mal. (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae) in Croatia with note on DNA barcoding and diversity of genus Micropterna in Croatia

Downstream effect of a pumped-storage hydropower plant on river habitat conditions and benthic life — a case study

AbstractIn spite of many investigations about the impact of reservoirs on river continuum, the downstream effects of a pumped-storage hydropower plants (PSHP) still have been less known. The aim of the study was to evaluate the downstream effect of the PSHP Čierny Váh in regard to the Serial Discontinuity Concept assumptions or studies assessing more frequent types of hydropower reservoirs. We predicted that the increase of water temperature and the alteration of food sources will hierarchically be the most relevant factors determining macroinvertebrate community composition. We focused on mayflies, caddisflies and non-insect benthic invertebrates due to their appropriate responses to discontinuity. We also determined the influence of the hydropower plant on life cycles and productions of the most abundant species of mayflies and caddisflies. We recorded the unique effect of the PSHP Čierny Váh on its downstream environmental variables. According to the nested ANOVA results, temperature regime, transported organic matter, benthic fine particulate organic matter and periphyton biomass were the environmental variables significantly modified by the river discontinuum. Significant differences were also found in the case of macroinvertebrate species richness, density and diversity. Nevertheless, based on the forward selection test for predictor effects, none of the environmental variables affected the macroinvertebrate assemblages significantly. However, the redundancy analysis revealed a separated group of macroinvertebrates preferring conditions characteristic for the site immediately below the reservoir. Regarding the impact of the reservoir on life histories, we revealed the shift in hatching, emergence and duration of life cycles of the abundant mayflies (except

Distribution of the macrobenthos fauna in the Ola River basin, northern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk

The taxonomic composition of the macrobenthos fauna and its distribution in the main stream and tributaries of the mid-size salmon Ola River, the northern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, were investigated for the first time. In the Ola River basin, 253 taxa of benthic invertebrates belonging to 3 phyla (Plathelminthes, Annelida, and Arthropoda) and 5 classes (Turbellaria, Clitellata, Crustacea, Arachnida, and Insecta) were revealed. Mayflies (Ephemeroptera), stoneflies (Plecoptera), caddisflies (Trichoptera), and midges (Chironomidae, Diptera) showed the highest species richness and dominated the benthic communities. Chironomidae comprised most of the fauna: 140 species and species groups, or more than 55% of the total diversity. The shares of identified species of mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies were subequal. Analysis of hydromorphological characteristics and the composition of aquatic insect families showed that all the areas surveyed in the Ola River basin were rhithral while the macrobenthos fauna represented there belonged to rhithron. The classification obtained by cluster analysis showed spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of the benthic fauna along the Ola River, related to changes in water temperature, slope, and altitude. The heterogeneous fauna distribution and the corresponding change in stable hydromorphological features indicated the existence of the typical epi-, meta-, and hyporhithral subzones whose boundaries were difficult to distinguish. However, the rhithral subzones selected were characterized by the habitat selectivity of certain taxa and by peculiar species richness values, thus emphasizing their individuality.

Molecular evolution of the Lake Baikal endemic caddisflies (Trichoptera)

Phylogenetic relationships of the nine Lake Baikal endemic caddisfly species with the representatives of the genus Apatania (Apataniidae) were reconstructed on the basis on nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene. The results of Bayesian analysis pointed to the relationships of the endemics with the North American Apatania incerta (Banks, 1897) and A. sorex (Ross, 1941). The divergence of the genetic lineages of the Baikalian and Nearctic apataniids occurred in the Late Oligocene–Early Miocene. On the dendrogram, endemic species formed two monophyletic clades corresponding to the tribes Thamastini and Baicalinini. It was also found that the genus Protobaicalina was polyphyletic, while the genus Baicalina was a species flock. Our analysis showed that the nearest common ancestor of the studied Baikal caddisfly species existed about 21 Mya, while the modern species composition of endemic fauna dates back to Pliocene–Pleistocene age (2.5–0.7 million years).

Aquatic biodiversity in Europe: a unique dataset on the distribution of Trichoptera species with important implications for conservation

Freshwater ecosystems are known to harbour a rich diversity of habitats and species, but knowledge on the actual distribution of many species still remains scattered or unknown. Supported through the BioFresh project, we collected occurrence records of the insect order Trichoptera throughout Europe. By addressing 82 caddisfly experts, we compiled over 600,000 georeferenced occurrence records, 441,000 of which represent adult specimens. We evaluated the dataset regarding the caddisfly distribution based on freshwater ecoregions. This analysis reveals areas with high Trichoptera biodiversity and centres of endemism in southern Europe (e.g. Spain, Italy and the Balkans) as well as in mountainous regions (e.g. Alps). Also, data-deficient regions become obvious. This is either caused by missing experts providing occurrence records or by the inability to mobilise experts and their data of a certain region. Still, the database ranks among the most comprehensive actual distribution data collections of freshwater invertebrates. The database represents a highly valuable information source for a variety of macro-ecological analyses and modelling scenarios, and it could be the base for a European-wide IUCN Red List of threatened caddisfly species that supports conservation policy decisions.

Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) from Maranhão State, Northeast Region, Brazil: A new species, checklist, and new geographical records

In order to improve knowledge of Trichoptera diversity in Northeast Region, Brazil, we present here the first checklist of caddisflies from Maranhão State with a description of a new species and geographical records for the Northeast Region and for all of Brazil. Collections were made in 16 sites distributed in three municipalities of Maranhão State. A total of 54 caddisflies species, 26 genera and 10 families were recorded, including one new species of Leptoceridae, Triplectides maranhensis sp. nov., which is described and illustrated. All species listed here are recorded for the first time for the state, 23 of which are new records for the Northeast Region, as well as five new species for Brazil. These results increase the number of species reported from the Northeast Region from 167 to 221.

Diversity and distribution of the Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) of Ecuador.

BackgroundAquatic insects and other freshwater animals are some of the most threatened forms of life on Earth. Caddisflies (Trichoptera) are highly biodiverse in the Neotropics and occupy a wide variety of freshwater habitats. In Andean countries, including Ecuador, knowledge of the aquatic biota is limited, and there is a great need for baseline data on the species found in these countries. Here we present the first list of Trichoptera known from Ecuador, a country that harbors two global biodiversity “hotspots.”MethodsWe conducted a literature review of species previously reported from Ecuador and supplemented these data with material we collected during five recent field inventories from about 40 localities spanning both hotspots. Using species presence data for each Ecuadorian province, we calculated the CHAO 2 species estimator to obtain the minimum species richness for the country.ResultsWe recorded 310 species, including 48 new records from our own field inventories for the country. CHAO 2 calculations showed that only 54% of the species have been found. Hydroptilidae and Hydropsychidae were the most species rich families. We report the family Xiphocentronidae for the first time from Ecuador as well as several new records of genera from different families.DiscussionAs in the neighboring Andean countries of Colombia and Peru, it is common to find undescribed species of caddisflies. There are vast areas of Ecuador and the northern Andes that are completely unexplored, and we expect that hundreds of new species are yet to be discovered.

The microhabitat preferences of Trichoptera in rivers in north-western Spain

We analysed the microhabitat preferences of caddisfly species in four rivers in north-western Spain. In each river, we sampled five sites with different types of substrate. These sites were characterised in situ according to the predominant material type (macrophytes, moss, pebbles and sand). A one-way ANOVA was used to test for significant differences in species abundance among substrates, and a nested ANOVA was used to test for significant differences in physical and chemical variables among rivers and sampling sites. A similarity percentage-species contribution analysis was performed to estimate the contribution of each species to the characterisation of each substrate. We observed significant differences in the abundance of seven species (Drusus bolivari, Glossosoma privatum, Larcasia partita, Micrasema longulum, M. servatum, M. gr. moestum and Sericostoma sp.) among substrates, confirming that these species have substrate preferences. According to similarity percentage-species contribution, the species that contributed most to differences were as follows: for sand, Sericostoma sp.; for macrophytes, Rhyacophila adjuncta, Hydropsyche ambigua, Sericostoma sp.; for moss, Micrasema gr. moestum, M. servatum, M. longulum, Hydropsyche tibialis and R. adjuncta; and for pebbles, Sericostoma sp., Larcasia partita and H. tibialis. These preferences can be explained by the fact that different species use different materials from the substrate to build their cases and also as a source of stability, protection and food.

THE FAUNA OF CADDISFLIES (TRICHOPTERA: INSECTA) OF THE ULBA RIVER BASIN (SOUTH-WESTERN ALTAI)

The rivers of South-West Altai are poorly-studied by entomologists. To analyze the fauna composition and spatial distribution of caddisflies in watercourses of the Ulba river basin (South-Western Altai), the hydrobiological studies in 11 streams of the basin were performed in 2002-2013. The river basin is distinguished by high species richness of caddisflies. Here, 64 species of caddisflies from 38 genera and 19 families that is 48% of the species and 67% of the genera found in Kazakhstan are present. In the Ulba caddisflies fauna, the Transpalaearctic species (41%) dominate, a large quantity (33%) falls on Western Palaearctic ones. East Palaearctic species form 20% of the fauna, while the Altai and Siberia species – 6%. It is shown that despite the prevalence of widely distributed Transpalaearctic elements, the caddisflies fauna of South-Western Altai is hardly similar to that of the Altai-Sayan Mountain Country. Geographically approximate regions of Altai show the best similarity. The analysis of similarity of caddisflies species lists for some streams of South-Western Altai is evidence of a decisive role of abiotic factors of river biocenoses in the Trichoptera fauna formation. The suggestion has been made that ecological factors are critical in spatial distribution of caddisflies in the rivers of South-Western Altai. It is noted that composition and community structure of caddisflies depend on the level of anthropogenic transformation of rivers. The species richness of caddisflies and their share in total biomass of zoobenthos from river sites located below discharge points of polluted waters are reduced. The revealed features of caddisflies communities transformation in the impact zone call for modification of biotic indices used for assessing ecological state of rivers in the region.

Catchment‐scale modeling of riverine species diversity using hydrological simulation: application to tests of species‐genetic diversity correlation

AbstractSpecies distribution models were developed to predict the spatial patterns of the species diversity and the genetic diversity of stream organisms using a distributed hydrological model. We derived annual metrics of water depth and flow velocity in rivers using a hydrological model covering an entire catchment in northeastern Japan. We acquired geospatial data throughout the catchment and the presence records of six taxa within the part of the catchment. Subsequently we derived habitat suitability indices (HSIs) for these taxa using a frequency analysis or the maximum‐entropy approach (MaxEnt) to predict three metrics of species diversity. The Shannon‐Wiener's diversity index based on MaxEnt (Shannon_MaxE) most effectively represented empirical taxon richness. Subsequently, by comparing Shannon_MaxE and empirical genetic diversity for the four species of stream insects, we evaluated species‐genetic diversity correlations (SGDCs). Of the four species, only one caddisfly species (Hydropsyche orientalis) displayed significant positive SGDCs. The result reflects the broad habitat range of this taxon throughout the catchment and its poor dispersal ability, whereas the other three species lacked SGDCs and displayed either a strong dispersal potential (Stenopsyche marmorata and Ephemera japonica) or a narrower habitat range within upstream domains (Hydropsyche albicephala). Finally, we estimated the spatial distribution of genetic diversity of H. orientalis populations based on the calculated Shannon_MaxE using the positive SGDC. This framework is promising for projecting future biodiversity in the context of anthropogenic perturbations such as climate change.