Species Of Chironomidae Research Articles

Chironomidae (Diptera) of the Šventoji and Žeimena sub-basins in Lithuania

Chironomidae, commonly known as non-biting midges, are key indicators of the health and biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems. They are also one of the most abundant and diverse groups of aquatic invertebrates. Although Chironomidae are ecologically important, abundant and diverse, there has been limited focused research on this group in Lithuania. Our study addresses this gap by analysing the diversity of Chironomidae in six Lithuanian streams. In this study, we present a comprehensive list of Chironomidae collected from six streams with similar hydrological characteristics: three dammed and three undammed. Lithuania is home to 158 species of known species of Chironomidae, comprised of 22 species in the subfamily Tanypodinae, 87 in the Chironominae, 42 in the Orthocladiinae, four in the Diamesinae and three in the Prodiamesinae. Throughout our research, we collected 11,296 chironomid specimens using a D-shaped aquatic net. Amongst these specimens, we identified 89 species representing 65 genera and five subfamilies, including 37 species and 12 genera, were recorded for the first time in Lithuania. The subfamily Chironominae, with 28 genera and 6,816 specimens, has exhibited the highest abundance of non-biting midges both in terms of genera and individuals. Amongst the streams investigated, the Luknelė was the richest in diversity, harbouring 37 genera and 2,657 individuals, accounting for about 55% of the Chironomidae genera found during the research. Our findings significantly enhance the understanding of the Lithuanian Chironomidae fauna, marking the first comprehensive study of such a kind, as previous knowledge of this fauna has been derived only from related studies.

Limited Variation in Codon Usage across Mitochondrial Genomes of Non-Biting Midges (Diptera: Chironomidae).

The codon usage patterns of mitochondrial genomes offer insights into the evolutionary and phylogenetic studies of species. Codon usage analysis has been conducted in a few Chironomidae species, and the codon usage patterns in other species remain ambiguous. We aim to reveal the codon usage differences in the mitochondrial genomes across this family. We sequenced the first mitochondrial genome of the genus Conchapelopia and the third mitochondrial genome of the subfamily Tanypodinae. Then, we analyzed its relative synonymous codon usage and effective number of codons with registered mitochondrial genomes from 28 other genera. The results indicated that there was limited variation in codon usage across five subfamilies, Chironominae, Orthocladiinae, Diamesinae, Prodiamesinae and Tanypodinae. While Parochlus steinenii from Podonominae presented a weaker codon bias, P. steinenii possessed the most genes experiencing natural selection. Additionally, ND1, ND2 and ND3 were found to be the most frequently selected genes across all species. Our findings contribute to further understanding the evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships of Chironomidae.

Genome-wide annotation and comparative analysis revealed conserved cuticular protein evolution among non-biting midges with varied environmental adaptability

Chironomidae, non-biting midges, a diverse and abundant insect group in global aquatic ecosystems, represent an exceptional model for investigating genetic adaptability mechanisms in aquatic insects due to their extensive species diversity and resilience to various environmental conditions. The cuticle in insects acts as the primary defense against ecological pressures. Cuticular Proteins (CPs) determine cuticle characteristics, facilitating adaptation to diverse challenges. However, systematic annotation of CP genes has only been conducted for one Chironomidae species, Propsilocerus akamusi, by our team. In this study, we expanded this annotation by identifying CP genes in eight additional Chironomidae species, covering all Chironomidae species with available genome data. We identified a total of 889 CP genes, neatly categorized into nine CP families: 215 CPR RR1 genes, 272 CPR RR2 genes, 23 CPR RR3 genes, 21 CPF genes, 16 CPLCA genes, 19 CPLCG genes, 28 CPLCP genes, 77 CPAP genes, and 37 Tweedle genes. Subsequently, we conducted a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of CPs within the Chironomidae family. This expanded annotation of CP genes across diverse Chironomidae species significantly contributes to our understanding of their remarkable adaptability.

New species and a fascinating diversity of Chironomidae (Diptera, Insecta) in and around an overlooked urban vernal pool.

In this study, the biodiversity of Chironomidae was investigated in Palmer Park Pond A, an urban vernal pond in Detroit, Michigan, USA. This study is developed as part of our ongoing Public Environmental Outreach Program at the Detroit Exploration and Nature Center in Palmer Park. Twenty-one Chironomidae species were discovered in and on the adjacent riparian vegetation of this pond using molecular and morphological methods. Three species Bryophaenocladiuspalmerparcum Namayandeh & Hudson sp. nov., Limnophyesstagnum Namayandeh, Guerra & Ram sp. nov., and Rheocricotopus (s. s.) angustus Namayandeh & Hudson sp. nov. are new to science. Bryophaenocladiuspalmerparcum sp. nov. and L.stagnum sp. nov. are unusual Orthoclads, with B.palmerparcum sp. nov. possessing a setose, short, and wide anal point and L.stagnum sp. nov. lacking lanceolate setae on both sexes. Based on the shape of superior volsella, R.angustus sp. nov., belongs to the effusus group, which was also confirmed by DNA barcoding molecular analysis. In this study, a new faunistic record was also found for the Nearctic as well as four new faunistic records for the state of Michigan. Ephemeral aquatic habitats such as vernal pools are often overlooked or destroyed by urbanization activities, controlling vector species, creating groomed fields, and/or residential development. Therefore, finding these new species demonstrates the biodiversity value of vernal ponds as important habitats, further motivating us to preserve them.

Evidence of new chironomid taxa (Diptera, Chironomidae) for Croatia from a mountain stream in the Pannonian Plain

According to the first Croatian check-list (Čerba et al. 2020), a total of 239 Chironomidae species has so far been recorded from the country. In the present paper we report the finding of two new taxa from the mountain stream Šumetlica, eastern Croatia, namely Boreoheptagyia legeri (Goetghebuer, 1933) and Diamesa cf. insignipes Kieffer, 1908. Šumetlica in the Psunj Mountain is about a 27 km long stream that rises near the highest mountain peak in this area, Brezovo Polje. Macroinvertebrate samples were collected at 415 m a.s.l. in June 2020 and May 2021 according to the AQEM standard multi-habitat protocol. Physico-chemical water parameters were measured in situ. Isolation and identification of macroinvertebrates were carried out in the laboratory. A total of 79 macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded, of which 26 were Chironomidae. The most abundant Chironomidae taxa were, Tvetenia calvescens, Conchapelopia agg. and Brillia bifida in the first sampling period, and Polypedilum convictum in the second. The species Boreoheptagyia legeri was collected with the abundance of 24 individuals per m2 in 2020, while 30 individuals per m2 Diamesa cf. insignipes larvae was recorded in 2021. Representatives of Diamesinae subfamily are usually found in cool, oxygen rich mountain or glacial streams. Diamesa larvae inhabit springs and streams in the mountain region, mainly on stones and gravel, especially those covered with moss cushions, while species of the genus Boreoheptagyia prefer a constant trickle of water. Both inhabit higher elevation mountainous regions, but occasionally Diamesa species are found in the foothills. Boreoheptagyia legeri is the only species of the genus that has been recorded outside the highest mountainous regions, in temperate elevations, under 500 m a.s.l. Our findings contribute to the knowledge of ecology and distribution of Diamesinae representatives.

Macroinvertebrate community structure, pollution tolerance, diversity and feeding functional groups in polluted urban rivers under different black and odorous levels

Macroinvertebrate community structure parameters can reflect the water quality and water ecosystem health status of rivers. In this paper, using the results of macroinvertebrates in 16 urban rivers in Sichuan Province from November 2020 to March 2021, we independently evaluated the level of black odor in urban rivers based on the mathematical model. On this basis, we examined the community structure, fouling tolerance, diversity, and feeding functional groups of macrobenthos in rivers with different degrees of black odor. During the study, a total of 39 species of macroinvertebrates were collected and identified to 3 phyla, 7 classes, 16 orders, 26 families and 30 genera. Urban rivers changed from non-black and non-odorous to black and odorous: (1) the dominant species, Chironomus flaviplumus, Physa fontinalis and Barbronia weberi, changed to Chironomus flaviplumus, a fouling-tolerant species with wide adaptability; (2) According to the tolerance values (TVs), the pollution resistance categories gradually increased as the level of black odor increased, which indicated the level of black odor in water bodies; (3) The calculation of the Hilsenhoff biotic indices (HBI) indicated that 83.3% of the sampled sites were moderately to heavily polluted. In general, the severity of water quality pollution in the black and odorous type of river was significantly higher than that in the non-black and odorous type of river, and with the deepening of the degree of blackness and odor the quality of the water deteriorated; (4) The community structure had an unstable community structure and a low diversity index of macroinvertebrate species; (5) The taxa of feeding functional groups shifted from the presence of all five types of feeding functional groups to the dominance of fouling-resistant species represented by scrapers. The results summarize the characteristics and change patterns of various indicators under different black-odorous degrees, indicating that the HBI can be used as an alternative indicator for the evaluation of black odorous water, and the number of species of Chironomidae can indicate the degree of black odor in water bodies.

First Annoted Checklist of Aquatic Diptera (Insecta) of Two Ramsar Sites (Ahançal and Aït Bouguemaz Rivers) at the Central High Atlas (Morocco): Families Ceratopogonidae, Chironomidae, Tipulidae, Empididae, and Tabanidae

This paper presents the first results of 1-year survey of aquatic Diptera, carried out in two Moroccan High Atlas rivers, Assif Ahançal and Assif n’Aït Bouguemaz, which are registered as Ramsar sites and drain a large part of the mountainous Geopark of Mgoun. This survey, which consists in a first study of the longitudinal distribution of these insects, occurs during the period September 2019–July 2020, at high and medium altitudes (1086–2408 m). Limited to immature stages, this study permitted to collect 561 specimens of Diptera from 16 river sections, mainly using a Surber-net sampler. Among the collected material, we were able to identify 38 genera and 11 species, belonging to five families. This fauna is relatively rich in new taxa for Morocco or for the High Atlas mountains. Indeed, two Chironomidae species, Macropelopia notata (Meigen, 1818) and Psectrocladius (Allopsectrocladius) flavus (Johannsen, 1905), and one Tipulidae, Tipula (Yamatotipula) pierrei, Tonnoir, 1921, are newly recorded in Morocco, as well as five genera: three Chironomidae (Krenopelopia, Fittkau; Natarsia, Fittkau; and Psilometriocnemus, Saether), one Empididae (Chelifera, Macquart), and one Ceratopogonidae (Atrichopogon, Kieffer). Two other species, Parachironomus frequens (Johannsen) and Heterotrissocladius marcidus (Walker), and seven genera are reported as new taxa in the High Atlas. The two rivers have similar richness (21 taxa each), mainly due to Chironomidae (94%), the most abundant and diversified family. The Empididae (4.8%) are relatively under-represented in the two rivers, as well as the other families (Ceratopogonidae, Tipulidae, and Tabanidae), which do not exceed 1% of the total dipteran abundance. The vertical distribution of the taxa revealed significant influence of the altitude on community compositions and distributions. In waiting to collect adults, immature dipteran stages prove the high abundance and diversity of the benthic entomological assemblages, which give hope that a more deep study of the dipteran fauna in the two Ramsar sites will provide remarkable novelties, in both systematic and ecological domains. It is also expected that this study will permit to assess the aquatic biodiversity of these ecosystems and its sensitivity to the increasing human disturbances.

Genome-wide annotation of cuticular protein genes in non-biting midge Propsilocerus akamusi and transcriptome analysis of their response to heavy metal pollution

The insect cuticle is a sophisticated chitin-protein extracellular structure for mutable functions. The cuticles varied their structures and properties in different species, and the same species but in different regions or at different stages, to fill the requirements of different functions. The alteration of cuticle structures may also be induced due to challenges by some environmental crises, such as pollution exposures. The physical properties of the cuticle were determined by the cuticle proteins (CPs) they contain. The cuticle proteins are large protein groups in all insects, which are commonly divided into different families according to their conserved protein sequence motifs. Although Chironomidae is an abundant and universal insect in global aquatic ecosystems and a popular model for aquatic toxicology, no systematic annotation of CPs was done for any species in Chironomidae before. In this work, we annotated the CP genes of Propsilocerus akamusi, the most abundant Chironomidae species in Asia. A total of 160 CP genes were identified, and 97 of them could be well classified into eight CP families: 76 CPR genes can be subdivided into three groups (further divided into three subgroups: 36 RR1 genes, 37 RR2 genes, and 3 RR3 genes), 2 CPF genes, 3 CPLCA genes, 1 CPLCG gene, 8 CPAP genes, and 3 Tweedle genes. Additionally, we analyzed the response of P. akamusi CP genes at expression level to Cu exposure, which is related to the high heavy metal tolerance and the earlier onset of pupariation in heavy metal polluted water.

Assessing spatial deposition of aquatic subsidies by insects emerging from agricultural streams.

The role of winged aquatic insects that emerge from streams and subsidize terrestrial ecosystems has been demonstrated for natural forest landscapes, but almost no information is available for intensive agricultural landscapes. This study is the first to estimate aquatic subsidies provided by flying insects that emerge from streams and land on cropland. We investigated three major groups of aquatic insects - Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera and Chironomidae (Diptera) - that emerged from 12 third-order temperate, agricultural streams. We simultaneously monitored their emergence using floating traps and their terrestrial dispersal using passive interception traps. We estimated that the annual aquatic emerging dry mass (DM) of these groups varied from 1.4-7.5 g m-2 yr-1, depending on the stream. We used a Bayesian approach to estimate parameters of the terrestrial dispersal function of each group. We combined emerging DM and the dispersal parameters to estimate how terrestrial deposition of aquatic insect DM varied with increasing distance from streams. The results highlighted that emerging DM and dispersal to land could be higher in intensive agricultural landscapes than that previously described in natural settings. We estimated that 12.5 kg ha-1 yr-1 of winged aquatic insect DM fell to the ground 0-10 m from stream edges, composed mainly of Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera. We also estimated that 2.2 kg DM ha-1 yr-1 fell 10-50 m from the stream, especially small-bodied species of Chironomidae, throughout the year, except for the coldest weeks of winter. By influencing aquatic insect communities that emerge from streams, intensive agricultural practices change the magnitude and spatial extent of aquatic subsidy deposition on land. Implications for terrestrial food webs and ecosystem services provided to agriculture are discussed.

A new desiccation-resistant midge from ephemeral rock pools in South Africa, Polypedilum (Pentapedilum) cranstoni sp. nov. (Diptera: Chironomidae).

One newly described species of Chironomidae, Polypedilum (Pentapedilum) cranstoni sp. nov., was discovered in ephemeral rock pools from the Maloti-Drakensberg mountains in South Africa. Desiccation-resistant larvae were obtained from bottom sediments of rock pools that had been dry for the previous several months. After rehydration, ex situ adults emerged and were collected. The morphology and diagnostic characters of the new species (male and female adults) are described here together with an analysis based on their COI gene sequence.

Association between Ichthyocladius (Diptera: Chironomidae) and armored catfishes in the Guareí River basin, São Paulo State, Brazil.

Ichthyocladius is a genus of chironomid (Diptera, Insecta) whose immature forms live attached to the bodies of some species of freshwater fishes. Here we investigate the association between Ichthyocladius spp. and armored catfish in streams of the Guareí River basin, Paraná River system, Brazil. We provide the first record of I. lilianae associated with fish in the São Paulo State and the Paraná River basin. In addition, this is the first report of Ichthyocladius associated with the armored catfishes Hypostomus iheringii and H. tietensis. Lastly, we record two undescribed species of Chironomidae (i.e., Ichthyocladius sp. 1 and Ichthyocladius sp. 2) associated with fishes.

Chironomidae (Diptera: Insecta) of Qeshlagh River, Kurdistan: DNA and morphology reveal new genus, species, and faunistic records for Iran

We assessed the Chironomidae fauna of Qeshlagh River, the second largest running water in the Kurdistan Province of Iran, and a major tributary of Sirwan River, using molecular and morphological methods. We identified a total of 35 Chironomidae species from the Qeshlagh River. Of these, Eraniella kurdistanensis gen. n., sp. n. (Orthocladiinae), Cricotopus (Cricotopus) hedayati sp. n., and Tanytarsus ronaki sp. n. are new to science. We combined DNA barcodes of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene obtained from the three new species with available sequences in GenBank and BOLD. The maximum likelihood (ML) tree placed Eraniella as a likely sister group of Parakiefferiella group of genera. The ML tree placed C. hedayati in Cricotopus festivellus group and a sister group of Cricotopus albiforceps (Kieffer, 1916). The ML tree placed T. ronaki as a sister group of Tanytarsus tamagotoi Sasa, 1983. This study also identified 11 new faunistic records for Iran and range extensions for the Palearctic. The importance of these local faunistic studies reflects broadly on the whole country, as the baseline information on the taxonomy and biogeography of the Iranian Chironomidae is scarce.

Chironomidae (Midge) Sensitivities to Ammonia Using Multiple Endpoints in China and Australia for the Development of Water Quality Criteria for Freshwater River Systems in China.

Deriving water quality criteria (WQC) for aquatic risk assessment requires sufficient toxicity data, which can determine the accuracy of WQC. Given that toxicity data vary between test species and endpoints, there is a great need to compare such data to generate the most suitable data set for WQC derivation. In the present study, a series of 11 ammonia exposure bioassays were conducted on Chironomidae species in either China or Australia, with test species and test endpoints varied (2 Chironomus sp., enzymatic up to lethal endpoints, and no-observed-effect concentration up to median lethal concentration [LC50] as endpoint metrics). There were no statistically significant differences between toxicity results generated from China compared to Australia using Chironomus sp., indicating that published data on native species generated in different countries could be appropriate for inclusion in the development of local Chinese WQC. In addition, the Chironomidae larvae laboratory-based toxicity value (LC50 = 384.6 mg/L) was lower than that of the in situ field-based toxicity value (LC50 ≥ 451.2 mg/L) where sensitive life stages are used, and, specifically for C. riparius, endpoints linked to biochemical and gene expression effects could be as sensitive as or more sensitive than chronic endpoints, both of which were more sensitive than acute endpoints. These findings help in the development of WQC by demonstrating the suitability of inclusion of toxicity data from a range of sources, as well as adding to the overall pool of knowledge regarding sensitivity to ammonia which can be used in aquatic risk assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2899-2911. © 2021 SETAC.

Pervasive decline of subtropical aquatic insects over 20 years driven by water transparency, non-native fish and stoichiometric imbalance.

Insect abundance and diversity are declining worldwide. Although recent research found freshwater insect populations to be increasing in some regions, there is a critical lack of data from tropical and subtropical regions. Here, we examine a 20-year monitoring dataset of freshwater insects from a subtropical floodplain comprising a diverse suite of rivers, shallow lakes, channels and backwaters. We found a pervasive decline in abundance of all major insect orders (Odonata, Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Megaloptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera and Diptera) and families, regardless of their functional role or body size. Similarly, Chironomidae species richness decreased over the same time period. The main drivers of this pervasive insect decline were increased concurrent invasions of non-native insectivorous fish, water transparency and changes to water stoichiometry (i.e. N : P ratios) over time. All these drivers represent human impacts caused by reservoir construction. This work sheds light on the importance of long-term studies for a deeper understanding of human-induced impacts on aquatic insects. We highlight that extended anthropogenic impact monitoring and mitigation actions are pivotal in maintaining freshwater ecosystem integrity.

DNA barcode library revealed unknown diversity of chironomid midges in Montenegro

We present the first results of the study aiming to investigate the diversity of the non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) fauna of the Skadar Lake system (Montenegro and Albania), a well-known hotspot of freshwater biodiversity composed by the young lake Skadar (originated 1200 before present) and by its old system of springs (originated during Pliocene). During the study, 8,147 COI barcodes were obtained and revealed the presence of 474 BINs and 586 OTUs assigned to 148 species. Our results provide the first insight into the factual molecular diversity among chironomids inhabiting Skadar Lake basin and fill a significant gap in the knowledge of the biodiversity in the Balkan region. With 219 (46.2%) unique BINs from the Skadar Lake basin new for BOLD, we can expect that further development of barcode reference libraries will help to bind unidentified developmental stages with those identified based on morphology and will reveal hidden Chironomidae species diversity. Further studies should be focused on sampling developmental stages which provides the best species-level resolution, such as mature males. It will help to develop a reliable reference barcode library - fundamental during further assessments.

Chironomidae (Diptera: Insecta) from Sirwan River watershed of Kurdistan (Iran) with new faunistic records for Iran and range extensions for the Palearctic region

We present the description of Chironomidae (Diptera) collected from Sirwan River watershed in Kurdistan province of Iran. This study is part of a larger monitoring program conducted from 2017 to 2018, surveying the freshwater flora and fauna of this watershed. Over half of the benthic invertebrates collected in this monitoring were Chironomidae, presenting the most diverse group. A total of 35 species of Chironomidae were found in Sirwan River Watershed of which 18 representing new faunistic records for Iran, range extensions for the Palearctic, and three being likely new species. Sirwan River is the largest running water habitat in the province of Kurdistan and an important resource for the local and regional economy. These studies help identify the organisms of freshwater ecosystems and provide useful tools for investigators, making better assessments of water conditions and improving their management.

Seasonal influence and local factors affecting macroinvertebrate structure in a high-altitude Andean stream

Small water bodies are critical for maintaining freshwater biodiversity, but are among the least investigated aquatic environments. We examined physical and chemical variables at two reaches in Arroyo Tambillos, a small, high-elevation Andean stream, in NW Mendoza province, Argentina, across four seasons to examine how local factors and seasonality affected the structure of the macroinvertebrate community. The Arroyo Tambillos community was numerically dominated by ephemeropterans (mainly Massartellopsis irarrazavali) while the dipteran Chironomidae were the most species rich. Total macroinvertebrate abundance was highest in summer, driven mainly by taxa that were secondary in dominance (Austrelmis sp. and Andesiops peruvianus), while richness did not differ between seasons. However, benthic composition was different in Fall 2013 (March) compared to other seasons, largely because of the increased abundance of Chironomidae. Canonical correspondence analysis discriminated Chironomidae species distributions in Fall 2013 by substrate type (i.e., big and small boulder substrate). By contrast, discharge, velocity, and depth were the variables which most affected the macroinvertebrate abundance and distributions. Contrary to our expectations, most community changes observed occurred in fall instead of summer. Nivo-kryal stream communities like the one described here have become increasingly important for conserving mountain stream biodiversity as anthropogentic impacts and climate change increasingly impact lower stream reaches. Therefore, monitoring high-altitude streams like the Arroyo Tambillos may be critical for preventing the future loss of unique and sensitive stream biota.

A new surface gliding species of Chironomidae: An independent invasion of marine environments and its evolutionary implications

AbstractInsects have invaded marine habitats only rarely and secondarily. Recently, we discovered a flightless dipteran species skating rapidly on the surface of seawater ponds at the Pacific coast of eastern China. Morphological analyses initially suggested an isolated position of the non‐biting midge, suggesting the erection of a new genus within Chironomini (Diptera: Chironomidae). However, an analysis of molecular data revealed that the marine species is in fact nested within the species‐rich genus Dicrotendipes. The apparent conflict between molecular and morphological data can be easily explained. It is likely that the new species has evolved a series of autapomorphic adaptations. These traits clearly distinguish the taxon from other species of the genus but do not justify the erection of a new supraspecific taxon, which would render Dicrotendipes paraphyletic. The switch to marine environments was likely a trigger for various morphological modifications resulting from increased selective pressure. Molecular data suggest that the potential speciation event occurred around 19–29 Ma, linked with a migration from freshwater to seawater ponds along the Pacific Ocean. Considering the results of our analysis, we place the flightless marine skater in the genus Dicrotendipes. All life stages of Dicrotendipes sinicus Qi & Lin sp. n. are described and illustrated, associated with larvae obtained by rearing or confirmed through association with DNA barcodes. The biology and ecology of the species are outlined based on collection data and in situ observations. Evolutionary patterns linked with repeated invasions of marine habitats are discussed.

Paraskusella gen. nov., a new Afro‐Australian genus in the tribe Chironomini (Diptera: Chironomidae)

AbstractOne described species of Chironomidae, the African Paratendipes seydeli Freeman, 1957, and two newly described species from Australia are allocated to a new genus, Paraskusella gen. nov. Described from all life stages, Paraskusella donedwardi sp. nov. is restricted to south‐west Western Australia. Paraskusella bobhawkei sp. nov. is described from adult males and a female from northern Australia. Its possible immature stages are described as Paraskusella ‘K2’, a taxon with a wider northern to central and temperate distribution. The immature stages allow inference of proximity to the Afro‐Oriental‐Australian Skusella Freeman, 1961.

Madicolous Chironomidae from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: a checklist with notes on altitudinal distributions (Diptera, Insecta).

Thin layers of water running over rocky surfaces are characteristic of madicolous habitats, which harbor a peculiar Chironomidae community. However, information on the identity, distribution, and ecology of madicolous chironomids in the Neotropical region are still sparse. The main purpose of this research is to reveal and contribute to the ecology of madicolous Chironomidae species, especially regarding their altitudinal distribution in the Atlantic Forest. Sampling was performed using our own designed emergence traps deployed from 0 to 2700 m a.s.l. in 70 sites in three mountains in southeastern Brazil. Sixty taxa of chironomids were collected and identified, of which only 22 are known to science. Most of the species showed a wider distribution than previously known, both in terms of geographic and altitudinal ranges, while others showed significant association with particular altitudinal bands (as evidenced by the indicator species analysis). Atlantic Forest mountainous regions are known to harbor one of the richest fauna in the world and have been suffering from several types of environmental impacts, including climate change, which will especially affect taxa living in specialized habitats. The narrow range of tolerance to environmental conditions verified for mountain species, and the fact that many of them are rare and endemic, make the conservation efforts in these areas indispensable.