Trichoptera (Insecta) collected in Mediterranean river basins of the Iberian Peninsula: taxonomic remarks and notes on ecology

Abstract

As a result of the GUADALMED project, undertaken in Iberian Mediterranean basins, to which were added samples taken by the junior author in the area, we collected numerous caddisfly larvae, pupae and adults. Some larvae were also reared in the lab to obtain adults and allow proper identification. A total of 90 species were identified, which accounts for more than a fourth of the species known in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands. Here we confirm the presence of doubtful species in the Iberian Peninsula (Glyphotaelius pellucidus) and we expand the distribution range of others (Lype reducta, Micrasema minimum, Limnephilus guadarramicus, Sericostoma pyrenaicum). Moreover, because of the unconformity of morphological larval characteristics with present taxonomical keys (Mesophylax aspersus) or lack of larvae descriptions (Allogamus mortoni, Stenophylax espanioli), here we include some relevant taxonomical aspects that are useful to identify larvae. A brief description of the larva of a possible new species of Hydropsyche (from now on H. gr. instabilis) is also given. Key words: Trichoptera, Mediterranean rivers, Iberian Peninsula, Faunistics, Taxonomy, Ecology. RESUMEN Los tricópteros (Insecta) recolectados en las cuencas mediterráneas de la PenínsulaIbérica: notas taxonómicas y requerimientos ecológicosComo resultado de los estudios realizados en el proyecto GUADALMED en las cuencas de los ríos mediterráneos peninsulares y otros muestreos realizados por la primera autora del trabajo se han recolectado numerosas larvas, pupas y adultos de tricópteros. Algunas larvas fueron criadas en el laboratorio para la obtención de adultos y con ello asegurar su identificación. Se han identificado un total de 90 especies que suponen más de una cuarta parte de las especies actualmente conocidas en la Península Ibérica y Baleares. En este trabajo se confirma la presencia, hasta ahora dudosa en la Península Ibérica, de algunas especies (Glyphotaelius pellucidus) y se amplia el área de distribución de otras (Lype reducta, Micrasema minimum, Limnephilus guadarramicus, Sericostoma pyrenaicum). Además, se incluyen algunos aspectos taxonómicos relevantes para la identificación de algunas larvas en futuros estudios, debido a que las claves ya existentes no describen correctamente la larva (Mesophylax aspersus) o porque se trata de larvas sin describir (Allogamus mortoni, Stenophylax espanioli). Se añade también una somera descripción de la larva de una posible nueva especie de Hydropsyche (citada aquí como H. gr. instabilis) y que requiere un estudio más detallado.

Are Water Beetles Good Indicators of Biodiversity in Mediterranean Aquatic Ecosystems? The Case of the Segura River Basin (SE Spain)

“…Data on the species were obtained from our own fieldwork and literature records: Mollusca (Go´mez 1988); Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera (UberoPascal 1996); Coleoptera (Sa´nchez-Ferna´ndez et al 2004b); Heteroptera (Milla´n et al 1988); Trichoptera (Bonada et al 2004). Macroinvertebrates were sampled with a D-frame net (500 lm mesh) and sampling collection generally took around 30 min per site.…”

Environmental factors prevail over dispersal constraints in determining the distribution and assembly of Trichoptera species in mountain lakes

“…2000) and nearby areas such as the Dordogne River catchment in southern France (Faessel 1985) and the rivers of the Mediterranean coast (Bonada et al. 2004). In streams, this species tends to inhabit in slow-current zones (e.g., Verneaux and Rezzouk 1971; Wallace et al.…”

Chloride and sulphate toxicity to Hydropsyche exocellata (Trichoptera, Hydropsychidae): Exploring intraspecific variation and sub-lethal endpoints

“…This species is widespread in western Europe (Bonada et al, 2004b) and it plays a key role in streams by capturing suspended particles (Wallace et al, 1977) and by serving as food for fish (Cadwallader, 1975;Elliott, 1967). Its wide distribution can be partly attributed to its tolerance to pollution (Bonada et al, 2004a) and salinity (Gallardo-Mayenco, 1994;Piscart et al, 2005).…”