Trichoptera Research Articles

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.

The Caddis Flies, or Trichoptera, of Illinois (1944). Herbert H. Ross, illustrated by C. 0. Mohr, K. M. Sommerman, and the author. Entomological Reprint Specialists, Los Angeles, California, 1972. 8 unnumbered pages plus pp. 1-326, figures 1-961 plus frontispiece. Bound, $9.95.

The Caddis Flies, or Trichoptera, of Illinois (1944). Herbert H. Ross, illustrated by C. 0. Mohr, K. M. Sommerman, and the author. Entomological Reprint Specialists, Los Angeles, California, 1972. 8 unnumbered pages plus pp. 1-326, figures 1-961 plus frontispiece. Bound, $9.95.

New insects (Insecta: Trichoptera, Eoblattida) from the Lower Permian of Russia

The insect fauna of the Lower Permian Tyulkino locality in the Perm Region of Russia is considered. New members of the orders Trichoptera and Eoblattida are described. Members of the primitive family Microptysmatidae (suborder Protomeropina) are typical of the Lower and Middle Permian deposits of Eurasia and are represented by the two genera: Microptysmella Kukalova-Peck et Willmann, 1990 and Kamopanorpa Martynov, 1928. Kamopanorpa tyulkiana sp. nov. and K. tamarae sp. nov. (Trichoptera, Microptysmatidae) and Parakhosara kamica sp. nov. (Eoblattida, Megakhosaridae) are described.

Trophic and reproductive ecology of Hemibrycon sierraensis (Characiformes: Characidae), endemic fish of Gaira River, Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta, Colombia

The study of feeding habits in fishes can give important information about their role in the fish community, their functional role in the ecosystem, and their relationships with all available resources. We studied H. sierraensis from Gaira River and performed eight bi-monthly samples between May 2014 and November 2015. We analyzed fish stomach contents by the numerical (% N), volume (% V) and frequency of occurrence (% FO) methods; we also calculated the index of food importance (IA), coefficient of emptiness (CV), trophic niche breadth (used H ') and condition factor (K). Additionally, we determined the sex ratio, gonadosomatic index (RGS), fecundity, minimum and average size at sexual maturity, and oocyte diameter by standard methods. The Gaira River has irregular meanders with clear waters, and high current velocity through its drainage; it is generally oligotrophic, with a tendency to eutrophic condition in some places. Observed dissolved oxygen values were high (5.4 mg/L), electrical conductivity was 68.63 µS/cm, and pH was found neutral. We analyzed stomach contents of 477 specimens, and found a 1.59 % coefficient of vacuity. The species was found euryphagic in its feeding habits (H'= 0.69), omnivorous tending to insectivorous; its diet consisted mainly of Trichoptera larvae ( Atanatolica sp.), followed in importance by snails (Gastropoda Pomacea sp.) and dipteran larvae such as Simulium sp. Significant differences in both frequency of occurrence and the volume consumed were observed for the different size classes, as well as between different seasons of the year. The condition factor indicated that the species was well fed. Sex was determined for 424 fish, of which 241 were male and 181 female, given a ratio of 1.3: 1 (male-female) which resulted significantly different (Chi 2: 16.14; P= 0.02). The gonadosomatic index indicated that reproduction occurs during the high water river phase, fecundity was high, and oocyte diameter was relatively small. Males reached sexual maturity at an average size of 67.08 mm SL, and females at 70.68 mm SL. Their life history strategy is seasonal r. Management and conservation plans for this species are required due to human intervention in their habitat, originated by the growing tourist activity in the area.

The Catalogue of “Constantin Ciubuc” Trichoptera (Insecta) Collection of “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History

Abstract The catalogue of “Constantin Ciubuc” trichopteran collection includes a total of 188 species, 178,878 specimens, (68,966 ♂♂ and 110,937 ♀♀) belonging to 19 families of the Order Trichoptera, Class Insecta. Imago insects were caught by the author and different collaborators, or friends, within the period 1986–2015 (Tab. 5). Last material was collected in the summer of 2016, in the Bucegi Natural Park and Natura 2000 site (ROSCI0013 - Bucegi) (Tab. 6). A percentage of less than 0.1% of the samples contained in the collection are insects from “Adriana Murgoci” collection, collected by Petre Iuncu in the period 1953–1954, offered to the author for preservation in 1985 (Tab. 5). Almost all samples were captured by light traps (white, black, blue), using mercury vapor lamps and / or incandescent light lamps and preserved in tubes, hermetically sealed, in ethyl alcohol. All information regarding the number of specimens, species, author, sex, habitat, sampling places, methods, number, the person who made the capture, climatic conditions during the collection, the date of collection, the geographical coordinates of sampling points, and other information are included in the database (Tabs 5 and 6). Some information on the Romanian endemic species, of the Balkans and of south-eastern Europe are given, as well as the taxonomic index, index of localities, sampling methodology, distribution map of the sampling places in Romania. The large number of species, specimens, vast area, sampling, information contained in the database (Tabs 5, 6) make the collection a scientific reference document for freshwater invertebrate fauna of Romania. It is the single complete trichopteran collection, with specimens collected from Romanian territory.

A review of the genus Metalype Klapálek, with descriptions of three new species from China (Trichoptera, Psychomyiidae).

Three new species of Metalype from China, Metalype hubeiensis Qiu & Morse, sp. n., Metalype shexianensis Qiu & Morse, sp. n., and Metalype truncata Qiu & Morse, sp. n., are described and illustrated. Metalype uncatissima (Botosaneanu, 1970) is reported from China for the first time. The differences between genus Metalype and genus Psychomyia are discussed and four Psychomyia species are transferred to Metalype: Metalype holzenthali (Schmid, 1997); Metalype klapaleki (Malicky, 1995a); Metalype kumari (Schmid, 1997); and Metalype nithaiah (Malicky, 2014). A key to the males of Metalype species of the world is provided.

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.

Caddis Fly Allergy in a Hydroelectric Plant Worker, a Classic Association

Caddis Fly Allergy in a Hydroelectric Plant Worker, a Classic Association

Spatial and temporal distribution of aquatic insects in the Dicle (Tigris) River Basin, Turkey, with new records

We investigated insects of the Dicle (Tigris) River Basin in terms of their composition and spatiotemporal distribution. Larvae, pupae, pupal exuviae, and nymphs of insects were obtained from samples collected by a plankton net monthly during a 1-year period in 2008 and 2009 at seven different sites of the Dicle (Tigris) River Basin. A total of 35 taxa from the orders Trichoptera (1 taxon), Ephemeroptera (3 taxa), and Diptera (31 taxa) were identified. Chironomidae (Diptera) was the most diverse group and was represented by three major subfamilies, namely Tanypodinae (2 taxa), Orthocladiinae (19 taxa), and Chironominae (7 taxa). Among these species, Nanocladius (Nanocladius) spiniplenus Saether, 1977 is a new record for Turkey as well as for western Asia. In addition, the Psychomyia larvae found for the first time in the Dicle (Tigris) River Basin (Turkey) were described. Both taxa have been illustrated to warrant validation. Taxa number varied spatially from 6 to 14 and temporally from 2 to 12 during the sampling period. Along the river, Cricotopus bicinctus and Orthocladius (S.) holsatus were the most common taxa.

Influence of Trichodactylus fluviatilis on Leaf Breakdown in Streams: Understanding the Role of Freshwater Crabs in Detritus-based Food Webs.

Larissa Costa, Walace Kiffer Jr., Cinthia Casotti, Juliana Rangel, and Marcelo Moretti (2016) Freshwater crabs can affect leaf breakdown by consuming leaves or invertebrate shredders. The aims of this study were to analyze the gut content of Trichodactylus fluviatilis and evaluate the influence of this macroconsumer on leaf breakdown. For this, we (i) performed gut analyses of 55 individuals of T. fluviatilis and (ii) determined leaf decay rates and FPOM production in laboratory trials containing crabs and the caddisfly shredder Triplectides sp., alone and together, and leaves differing in quality. We hypothesized that T. fluviatilis feeds both on leaves and Triplectides sp. and, consequently, leaf decay rates would be lower when these organisms were together. The main food categories in T. fluviatilis guts were algae and FPOM, while CPOM and animal tissue were rare. Leaf decay rates and FPOM production did not differ across shredder treatments or leaf species. However, the survival of Triplectides sp. was higher when alone. The results support the potential for participation of T. fluviatilis in leaf breakdown and demonstrated that, in spite of the high abundances of algae and FPOM in the gut content, adults of this species have the potential to feed both on leaf litter and larvae of Triplectides sp. However, the hypothesis of this study was only partially corroborated because decay rates did not change across treatments.

Features of meiobenthos in Lake Krivoe (Karelia)

The paper presents the proportion of animals encountered in the coastal meiobenthos of Lake Krivoe (Karelia) which are typical for the majority of water bodies of the North-West of Russia: eumeiobentthic organisms – water mites, nematodes, cladocerans, harpacticoids, ostracods, benthic cyclops; organisms of pseudomeiobenthos – chironomids and oligochaetes. The main part in the biomass of meiobenthos in this zone accounts for water mites, chironomids and oligochaetes. In macrobenthos of this zone are registered: amphipods, larvae of caddis flies, mayfly larvae, larval Megaloptera, larval stoneflies, chironomid larvae, larval midges, also oligochaetes, leeches, bivalves, gastropods. Other groups of macrobenthic animals have almost equal low portions. Thus, the coastal zone of Lake Krivoe practically does not differ in composition of meiobenthos and macrobenthos from that of other water bodies of the North-West of Russia. Some features of meiobenthos community development in Lake Krivoe (Karelia) at depths of 9–32 m were found. In the coastal zone of the lake at the depth of 0.5 m meiobenthos has quantitative characteristics typical for regional mesotrophic water bodies. Deepwater meiofauna of Lake Krivoe is different from meiofauna of other deepwater lakes (Ladoga, Onega and Konstanz), where depths are inhabited by sufficiently rich, both qualitatively and quantitatively, meiobenthos. At greater depths we have discovered presence of the only species of nematodes (Paramononchus alimovi) in meiobenthos which was found in high numbers, both in abundance (6.8–93.0 thousand ind./m2) and biomass (0.044–0.596 g/m2). Structural and functional characteristics of deepwater meiobenthos Lake Krivoe varies greatly and are experiencing some impact of surface water temperature. The amount of seston sinking on the bottom increases in the middle of the vegetative season that probably leads to the sharp increase in the abundance and biomass of deepwater meiobenthos.

Trophic ecology of Hemigrammus marginatus Ellis, 1911 (Characiformes, Characidae) in a conserved tropical stream.

The trophic ecology of ichthyofauna in a stream can be related to the presence or absence of riparian and aquatic vegetation, and mainly resource availability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the seasonal and ontogenetic variations for the trophic ecology of Hemigrammus marginatus in the Beija-Flor stream located at the Jataí Ecological Station in the municipality of Luiz Antônio-SP, Brazil. In order to attain this objective, the data collections were carried out on a monthly basis from August, 2011 to July, 2012. Fish were collected using a trawl net and bait traps from three collection stations distributed along the Beija-Flor stream. The quality of the water was evaluated by the chemical variables: ammonia, nitrate, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and physical temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity and conductivity, obtained by using a Yellow Springs sonde. The collected specimens were fixed in 10% formalin in the field and were subjected to biometric measurements in the laboratory. The stomachs were weighed and transferred to 70% alcohol and the stomach contents were analysed using a stereomicroscope at the lowest possible taxonomic level. The species was considered insectivorous and the autochthonous food items were the most important during the dry season, mainly from the orders Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera, while allochthonous items from the order Hymenoptera were more important in the wet season. The young individuals' diet was based on the consumption of zooplankton, and insofar as the fish develops, there was a decrease in this item in the diet showing that the species has ontogenetic shifts in its diet. The conservation state of the Beija-Flor stream, as well as the flexibility of using food and food resources provided by aquatic macrophytes and riparian vegetation are key factors for the high abundance of the H. marginatus species.

The importance of taxonomic resolution for additive beta diversity as revealed through DNA barcoding.

Additive diversity partitioning (α, β, and γ) is commonly used to study the distribution of species-level diversity across spatial scales. Here, we first investigate whether published studies of additive diversity partitioning show signs of difficulty attaining species-level resolution due to inherent limitations with morphological identifications. Second, we present a DNA barcoding approach to delineate specimens of stream caddisfly larvae (order Trichoptera) and consider the importance of taxonomic resolution on classical (additive) measures of beta (β) diversity. Caddisfly larvae were sampled using a hierarchical spatial design in two regions (subarctic Churchill, Manitoba, Canada; temperate Pennsylvania, USA) and then additively partitioned according to Barcode Index Numbers (molecular clusters that serve as a proxy for species), genus, and family levels; diversity components were expressed as proportional species turnover. We screened 114 articles of additive diversity partitioning and found that a third reported difficulties with achieving species-level identifications, with a clear taxonomic tendency towards challenges identifying invertebrate taxa. Regarding our own study, caddisfly BINs appeared to show greater subregional turnover (e.g., proportional additive β) compared to genus or family levels. Diversity component studies failing to achieve species resolution due to morphological identifications may therefore be underestimating diversity turnover at larger spatial scales.

Biodiversity and palaeoecology of Foulden Maar: an early Miocene Konservat-Lagerstätte deposit in southern New Zealand

Lee, D.E., Kaulfuss, U, Conran, J.G., Bannister, J.M. & Lindqvist, J.K., August 2016. Biodiversity and palaeoecology of Foulden Maar: an early Miocene Konservat-Lagerstätte deposit in southern New Zealand. Alcheringa 40, xxx–xxx. ISSN 0311-5518.This paper highlights the biodiversity and palaeoecology of the 23 million year old Foulden Maar, the first Konservat-Lagerstätte deposit described from New Zealand and a key site for reconstructing early Miocene Southern Hemisphere terrestrial ecosystems. The 1000-m-diameter, ca 200-m-deep Foulden Maar volcanic crater lake was a closed system with anoxic bottom waters, capturing and preserving in exquisite detail organisms from the lake and adjacent rainforest. The fossils include numerous leaves, flowers with in situ pollen, fruits, seeds, fish and arthropods. Surrounding Foulden Maar was an evergreen, Lauraceae-dominated notophyll vine forest with a diverse understorey, lianes, epiphytes and mistletoes. Diverse pollination and seed dispersal modes are evident. Fish include larval to adult stages of articulated specimens of Galaxias, some with preserved soft tissue and a species of eel resembling Anguilla. The arthropod fauna comprises ca 20 families in the orders Araneae (spiders), Plecoptera (stoneflies), Odonata (dragonflies), Isoptera (termites), Hemiptera (true bugs), Diptera (true flies), Coleoptera (beetles), Trichoptera (caddis flies) and Hymenoptera (wasps, ants and bees), representing faunas typical of soil, leaf litter, forest floor or freshwater habitats. Many fossil taxa have close relatives in the extant New Zealand biota; others are now locally extinct. Coprolites containing quartz sands sourced from outside the lake indicate the presence of volant birds, presumably waterfowl. The Foulden Maar Lagerstätte is crucial for reconstructing Miocene lake and forest ecosystems in New Zealand, particularly the terrestrial arthropod component.Daphne E. Lee [daphne.lee@otago.ac.nz], Department of Geology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand., Uwe Kaulfuss [uwe.kaulfuss@otago.ac.nz] and Jon K. Lindqvist, [jonlind@ihug.co.nz], Department of Geology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand; John G. Conran [john.conran@adelaide.edu.au], Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology & Biodiversity and Sprigg Geobiology Centre, School of Biological Sciences, Benham Bldg DX 650 312, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Jennifer M. Bannister [jennifer.bannister@xtra.co.nz], Department of Botany, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.

<p class="Body" align="left"><strong>A contribution to knowledge of some main trends in evolutionary </strong><strong>transformations of the male genitalia in superorder Amphiesmenoptera </strong><strong>(Insecta, Trichoptera + Lepidoptera)</strong></p>

The general trends of evolutionary transformations in the male copulatory apparatus of the lower ditrysian Lepidoptera, family Gelechiidae, on the base of functional morphological analysis are similar to those in the order Trichoptera. Evolution of the genitalia in both groups was directed to improvement of efficiency of mating mechanisms. It is found that one of the general trends in trichopterans, reduced of gonopods, corresponds to the main direction of valvae transformation in lower ditrysian moths Gelechiidae. These structures, being of importance in grasping the female in other groups of Lepidoptera, lost this function in some genera and they completely disappeared in most advanced groups of gelechiid moths. That phenomenon is associated with transformations of other structures in copulatory apparatus, which functionally compensate for the lack of valvae. Such functional analogues are found in the course of comparative morphological analysis of the male genitalia in both groups. Similar changes and similar traits of the genital appendages in both groups, trichopterans and lower ditrysian lepidopterans, can be considered as evidence of parallel evolution. The possible parallelisms as indicators of common evolutionary trends in transformation of copulatory apparatus within the two lineages, Trichoptera and Lepidoptera, having a common ancestor, are discussed.

Effects of Land Use Types on Community Structure Patterns of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Streams of Urban Areas in the South of the Korea Peninsula

Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected from streams located in an urban area from regions featuring different environmental conditions. Physicochemical variables and land use types pertaining to sampling sites were analyzed concurrently. Multivariate analyses (cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling) and rank-abundance diagrams were used to characterize community patterns to assess ecological integrity in response to environmental conditions. Species composition patterns were mainly influenced by both the gradient of physicochemical variables (e.g., altitude, slope, conductivity) and the proportion of forest area. Community structure patterns were further correlated to the proportion of urbanization and to biological indices (e.g., diversity, number of species). Land use preferences of benthic species were identified based on the indicator values and weighted averaging regression models. Plecoptera species were representative of undisturbed streams in forest areas, whereas Tubificidae species and filtering collector caddis flies were indicator taxa in severely polluted and agricultural areas, respectively. The analyses of community structures and indicator species effectively characterized community properties and ecological integrity following natural and anthropogenic variability in urban stream ecosystems.

Tricópteros asociados a siete afluentes de la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia

Nowadays, the intensity of agricultural activities is increasing in areas near water sources due to decreasing rains attributed to the increase in the phenomenon of climate change. The aim of this study was to analyze the structure of the order Trichoptera larvae in 7 tributaries in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and their relationship with physicochemical variables. The samples were collected using a Surber's net with a 250 microns mesh, collected randomly taking 5 replicates for a total of 0.9 m2 for each river. A total of 868 individuals of the order Trichoptera, distributed in 9 families and 15 genera was found. Hydropsychidae and Leptoceridae were the best represented in the sampling, with 66 and 14%, respectively. Overall, the larvae showed a spatial variation. Despite the slightly high values of conductivity and nutrients in some tributaries, the values of diversity and abundance of caddisflies reflect the good state of tributaries in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The results of this study indicate that the tributaries are important reservoirs of caddisfly diversity.

When is the best time to sample aquatic macroinvertebrates in ponds for biodiversity assessment?

Ponds are sites of high biodiversity and conservation value, yet there is little or no statutory monitoring of them across most of Europe. There are clear and standardised protocols for sampling aquatic macroinvertebrate communities in ponds, but the most suitable time(s) to undertake the survey(s) remains poorly specified. This paper examined the aquatic macroinvertebrate communities from 95 ponds within different land use types over three seasons (spring, summer and autumn) to determine the most appropriate time to undertake sampling to characterise biodiversity. The combined samples from all three seasons provided the most comprehensive record of the aquatic macroinvertebrate taxa recorded within ponds (alpha and gamma diversity). Samples collected during the autumn survey yielded significantly greater macroinvertebrate richness (76 % of the total diversity) than either spring or summer surveys. Macroinvertebrate diversity was greatest during autumn in meadow and agricultural ponds, but taxon richness among forest and urban ponds did not differ significantly temporally. The autumn survey provided the highest measures of richness for Coleoptera, Hemiptera and Odonata. However, richness of the aquatic insect order Trichoptera was highest in spring and lowest in autumn. The results illustrate that multiple surveys, covering more than one season, provide the most comprehensive representation of macroinvertebrate biodiversity. When sampling can only be undertaken on one occasion, the most appropriate time to undertake surveys to characterise the macroinvertebrate community biodiversity is during autumn, although this may need to be modified if other floral and faunal groups need to be incorporated into the sampling programme.

New Cretaceous caddisflies from Burmese amber (Insecta, Trichoptera)

Three new caddisflies species are described and illustrated from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber: Wormaldia cretacea sp. nov., W. resina sp. nov. (Philopotamidae) and Neureclipsis burmanica sp. nov. (Polycentropodidae). Palerasnitsynus ohlhoffi (Psychomyiidae) is re-described based on new fossils. Wormaldia are common in Burmese amber, and its diversity shows that this genus had very ancient origin and diversified at least during the mid-Cretaceous. N. burmanica sp. nov. is the oldest record of Neureclipsis, revealing this genus originated at least in the mid-Cretaceous. So far, six extinct species representing the small Order Trichoptera have been found in Burmese amber.

New Distribution and Species Records of Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) from the Republic of Kosovo

ABSTRACT: In this paper we provide a list of new species records of Trichoptera collected during the 2009–2010 period in the Republic of Kosovo. We report six first records for the Kosovo caddisfly fauna: Tinodes braueri McLachlan, 1978, Hydropsyche modesta Navas, 1925, Plectrocnemia mojkovacensis Malicky, 1982, Annitella triloba Marinkovic-Gospodnetic, 1955, Synagapetus moselyi (Ulmer, 1938) and Stenophylax meridiorientalis Malicky, 1982. We also provide new distribution records for several other species belonging to: Rhyacophilidae, Glossosomatidae, Philopotamidae, Hydropsychidae, Polycentropodidae, Psychomyiidae, Limnephilidae, Goeridae, Lepidostomatdiae, Leptoceridae, Odontoceridae, Sericostomatidae and Beraeidae. For the first time in more than 40 years, a rare Balkan endemic species Limnephilus petri Marinkovic-Gospodnetic, 1966 is recorded again from Kosovo. The present record of Odontocerum albicorne reconfirms its presence in southeastern Europe; it was previously considered absent.