Research Article |
Corresponding author: Brian J. Armitage ( tobikera89@gmail.com ) Academic editor: Simon Vitecek
© 2023 Steven C. Harris, Brian J. Armitage.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Harris SC, Armitage BJ (2023) The Trichoptera of Panama XXII. Sixteen new microcaddisfly species (Trichoptera, Hydroptilidae). ZooKeys 1174: 35-74. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1174.107314
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Sixteen new species of microcaddisflies (Trichoptera, Hydroptilidae) from Panama are herein described and illustrated. The majority of these were collected during surveys of Panama’s national parks and protected areas during 2017 and 2018, employing both UV and Malaise traps. The new species include: Alisotrichia eisbergae sp. nov., Angrisanoia bokota sp. nov., Bredinia paraespinosa sp. nov., Cerasmatrichia garfioza sp. nov., Cerasmatrichia veraguasensis sp. nov., Costatrichia calovebora sp. nov., Metrichia calovebora sp. nov., Metrichia cascada sp. nov., Metrichia chiriquiensis sp. nov., Metrichia escobilla sp. nov., Metrichia leahae sp. nov., Metrichia tatianae sp. nov., Ochrotrichia conejoreja sp. nov., Ochrotrichia paraflagellata sp. nov., Oxyethira pehrssonae sp. nov., and Zumatrichia culebra sp. nov. In total, 506 Trichoptera species are now recorded for the Republic of Panama, distributed among 15 families and 56 genera.
Biological diversity, Neotropics, protected areas, regional affiliation
Until the last 27 years, the insect order Trichoptera (caddisflies) was poorly known in Panama, both in terms of diversity and distribution (
Starting in 2017, field sampling for a new biodiversity initiative in the Republic of Panama was begun under the management of Panama’s Ministerio de Ambiente (MiAmbiente). The focus was on biodiversity of the country’s national parks and protected areas. Designated “Proyecto Sistema de Producción Sostenible Conservación de la Biodiversidad (PSPSCB; http://produccionsostenibleybiodiversidad.org/proyecto/)”, this initiative was funded by the World Bank. M’Ambiente collaborated with the Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (Gorgas Institute), and their Colección Zoológica Dr. Eustorgio Méndez (COZEM) to execute the work. These biodiversity surveys are included under the framework of the “Sistema Nacional de Información y Monitoreo de la Diversidad Biológica”, or National Biological Diversity Information and Monitoring System, to better understand the country’s biodiversity. One of the components of this new project involved surveys for aquatic invertebrates. The majority of the new species described in this paper was collected in the framework of this project.
During 2017, samples were taken in four national parks: Omar Torrijos Herrera (PNGDOTH), Santa Fe (PNSF), Volcán Barú (PNVB), and La Amistad International (PILA). In 2018, Altos de Campana National Park (PNAC) was surveyed. Finally, in 2019, collections were made in Bosque Protector Palo Seco (BPPS). In this paper, we describe species from PNVB, PNSF, and PNAC. Previously, new species and general results from Omar Torrijos Herrera General Division National Park were published in
The Aquatic Invertebrate Research Group (AIRG) at the Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí (
Both Malaise and UV light traps were used for collecting aquatic insects from streams in the national parks and protected areas of Panama. Single, overnight collections were made using UV light traps (
Morphological terminology used for male genitalia generally follows that of
Holotypes listed in this publication are deposited in the Universidad de Panamá Museo de Invertebrados (
Field sites were located in the following national parks and protected areas in Panama (Fig.
Maps: A map of Panama with an overlay of the 52 major watersheds (cuencas) B map of central Panama showing collection locations in the Rio Calovebora and Rio Mulabá drainages. Abbreviations: a– Quebrada del Guayabo; b– Río Piedra de Moler; c– Quebrada sin nombre; d– Quebrada sin nombre; e– Río Calovébora; f– Quebrada Tercer Brazo Mulabá; g– Quebrada Segundo Brazo Mulabá; h– Quebrada Mulabá; i– Quebrada Primer Brazo Mulabá; j– Quebrada Primer Brazo Mulabá; k– Lago cabaña Alto de Piedra; l– Río Cacaito; m– Río Sajalices.
Parque Nacional Volcán Barú (Volcán Barú NP or PNVB)—Attached to the southeast side of PILA, Volcán Barú National Park covers 14,300 ha west and northwest of Boquete, Panama. It includes Volcán Barú, the highest volcano in Panama (3,478 m a.s.l.). The vegetation ranges from montane rain forests at the volcano’s base to humid montane forests toward its peak.
Parque Nacional Santa Fe (Santa Fe NP or PNSF)—Located in the upper portion of the Santa Maria River basin in Veraguas Province, Santa Fe National Park lies near the Continental Divide and encompasses 72,636 ha. Occupying land on both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes, more than 95% of the park’s area is covered with tree species which are evergreen, maintaining their leaves all year round. The Río Calovébora and its tributaries drain into the Caribbean Sea, whereas the Río Mulabá and its tributaries lie on the Pacific slope.
Parque Nacional Altos de Campana (Altos Campana NP or PNAC)—Established in 1966, Altos de Campana National Park is the oldest park in Panama. Covering 1,950 ha, the park lies on the Pacific slope of Panama and is covered, in part, by humid tropical and premontane forests.
All of the national parks selected here are protected from logging and agriculture. The streams sampled under this project are 1st to 3rd order in size, are of good water quality, and are bordered by extensive, forested riparian corridors. Almost all of the streams are found in major watersheds (cuencas), including Cuencas 105, 115, 132, and 138, which are characterized in
Collections from selected national parks and protected areas were made during the years 2017–2019 and yielded 16 new species of microcaddisflies.
The genus Alisotrichia (Leucotrichinae, Alisotrichiini) is represented by 61 extant species. Restricted to the New World, its distribution ranges from the southwestern United States south to Venezuela; the genus also occurs in the Caribbean Sea’s Antilles chain of islands (
Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Río Piedra de Moler; PSPSCB-PNSF-C097-2017-012; 8.56553°N, 81.18817°W; 340 m a.s.l.
Holotype: male, Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Río Piedra de Moler; PSPSCB-PNSF-C097-2017-012; 8.56553°N, 81.18817°W; 340 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; A. Cornejo, T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 20.iv.2017;
Panama: Veraguas Province • 1 male; Cuenca 132; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Quebrada Primer Brazo Mulabá; PSPSCB-PNSF-C132-2017-007; 8.52577°N, 81.13045°W; 623 m a.s.l.; Malaise trap; A. Cornejo, T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 19–23.iv.2017;
This species is placed in the Alisotrichia orophila group of Oláh and Flint (2012) on the basis of the dorsolateral process from segment VIII which bears an elongate seta, with closest similarity to A. neblina Harris & Flint and A. coclensis Armitage & Harris. Like these species, A. eisbergae sp. nov. has posterior processes and spines from the margin of segment VIII, but the new species is distinguished by the shape of these spines and by the phallic structure.
Male. Total length 1.6–1.8 mm, 17 antennal segments, scape enlarged, pedicel twice as long as proximal flagellomeres, maxillary palp with five segments, brown in alcohol with no obvious patterns on wings. Genitalia. Abdominal segment VII annular without ventromesal process. Segment VIII incomplete dorsally, setal-bearing process dorsally, pair of elongate processes posteriorly; in dorsal view, elongate seta emanating from apex of elongate, narrow, lateral lobes, posterior spines from mesal margins; in ventral view emarginated posteriorly with mesal spines. Segment IX elongate, anteriorly narrowing to short apodeme; in dorsal view narrowing to rounded distal margin; in ventral view narrow, mesal narrow process with crenulate outer margins. Segment X apparently fused with IX and indistinct laterally. Phallus tubular, narrowing at midlength, posteriorly with pair of lateral thin, lateral bands adjacent to and extending beyond the ejaculatory duct; in lateral view wide basally and distally, narrow, spinelike band mesally.
Panama.
This species is named for Ms. Deborah Eisberg of Boquete, Panama in recognition and thanks for her support of our research program. The species name is a female noun in the genitive case.
The pair of elongate processes on segment VIII differed slightly in the specimen from the Río Cacaito (Panama Oeste Province) compared to the other specimens examined.
Angrisanoia is a very small genus in the Ochrotrichiinae. The five species currently assigned to this genus are distributed from Venezuela and French Guiana south to Argentina. The presence and range extension of Angrisanoia as a new record for Panama was previously published (
Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 132; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Quebrada Primer Brazo Mulabá; Isleta; PSPSCB-PNSF-C132-2017-015; 8.54513°N, 81.11970°W; 412 m a.s.l.
Holotype: male, Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 132; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Quebrada Primer Brazo Mulabá; Isleta; PSPSCB-PNSF-C132-2017-015; 8.54513°N, 81.11970°W; 412 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 22.iv.2017;
Panama: Veraguas Province • 1 male, Cuenca 132; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Quebrada Primer Brazo Mulabá; PSPSCB-PNSF-C132-2017-007; 8.52577°N, 81.13045°W; 623 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; A. Cornejo, T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 20.iv.2017;
The new species is most similar to A. acuti (Angrisano & Spanga) and A. cebollati (Angrisano) in having segment IX with an elongate posterior extension, which is deeply divided distally. It differs from these species in having the inferior appendage narrowing distally in lateral view, and curving ventrad, with clusters of heavy spines from the inner margin.
Male. Total length 2.1–2.3 mm, 20 antennal segments, scape twice as long as wide. Maxillary palp 5-segmented, terminal segment elongate. Wings brown in alcohol, forewing with venation reduced, cluster of spines basally, and sub-basally, narrow area of sclerotization above basal cluster of spines, jugular lobe present, hindwing thin, venation reduced, narrow band of sclerotization basally. Thorax brown in alcohol, mesoscutellum diamond-shaped with transverse suture, metascutellum triangular. Legs with spur count of 1, 3, 4. Genitalia. Abdominal segment VII annular, lacking a ventromesal process. Segment VIII complete ventrally, incomplete dorsally; in dorsal view reduced to a pair of elongate lobes, tipped with thickened setae. Segment IX contained within VII and VIII, anteriorly triangular, posteriorly narrowing distally to an acute, sclerotized process which extends past the inferior appendage; in dorsal view, laterally narrow and tapering distally, posterior margin deeply incised; in ventral view similar in shape to that of dorsum. Segment X reduced and membranous. Inferior appendage parallel sided, extending dorsally to downturned apex, bearing heavy setae along ventral margin and apically; in ventral view, wide basally, narrowing distally, thick setae on mesal margin; in dorsal view narrow over length, thickened setae apically. Subgenital plate visible in lateral view as thin basal plate. Phallus extremely long and thin, in dorsal view, apex with narrow, membranous projection on inner margin, thin lateral process originating beyond midlength and extending subapically, ejaculatory duct internal; in lateral view, apex produced into pair of acute hooks.
Panama.
This species is named for the indigenous Bokota people who live in Veraguas Province where the species was collected.
The body of the adults of Angrisanoia have not been illustrated. We have taken the opportunity herein to provide such figures (Fig.
Bredinia is endemic to the Neotropics and is placed in the Stactobiinae.
Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Río Piedra de Moler; PSPSCB-PNSF-C097-2017-012; 8.56553°N, 81.18817°W; 340 m a.s.l.
Holotype: male, Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Río Piedra de Moler; PSPSCB-PNSF-C097-2017-012; 8.56553°N, 81.18817°W; 340 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; A. Cornejo, T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 20.iv.2017;
This species is similar to B. espinosa Harris, Holzenthal & Flint, from Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, and Venezuela, both having prominent stout, spine-like setae arising from the sides of segment VIII. Bredinia paraespinosa sp. nov. differs from this species in the elongate anterior apodemes from the lobes of segment VIII and the structure of the phallus which has the sides bearing an elongate apical spine.
Male. Total length 1.5 mm, 17 antennal segments, wings and body brown in alcohol. Genitalia. Abdominal segment VII annular, lacking a ventromesal process. Segment VIII annular, lateral lobe bearing prominent, spinelike setae, anterior margin produced into elongate apodeme, projecting into segment VI; in dorsal view with central plate which appears to be part of the lateral lobe; in ventral view, deeply incised mesally, lateral lobes with elongate posterior spines. Segment IX narrowing ventrally; in dorsal view tapering distally to emarginated apex; ventrally reduced and membraneous. Segment X triangular in lateral view, thin with posterior emargination in dorsal and ventral views. Inferior appendage circular in lateral view, bearing pair of elongate, stout setae distally; in ventral view spatulate, inner margin diverging, with hooklike sclerite basally. Subgenital plate thin in lateral view, bifid apically; in dorsal and ventral views a narrow band, with extended lateral margins. Phallus tubular, posteriorly widening with lateral apices narrowed to acute spine, mesally diverging with ejaculatory duct protruding; in lateral view wide basally, tapering distally to upturned apex.
Panama.
This species name paraespinosa (spiny-like) derives from Spanish, referring to its spiny resemblance to Bredinia espinosa. The name is a noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition.
A member of the Leucotrichiinae, Cerasmatrichia is endemic to the Neotropics, ranging from Costa Rica south to Peru, east to Trinidad and throughout the Lesser Antilles (
Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 132; Veraguas Province; Cuenca 132; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Quebrada Mulabá; PSPSCB-PNSF-C132-2017-008; 8.51706°N, 81.12140°W; 770 m a.s.l.
Holotype, male. Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 132; Veraguas Province; Cuenca 132; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Quebrada Mulabá; PSPSCB-PNSF-C132-2017-008; 8.51706°N, 81.12140°W; 770 m a.s.l.; Malaise trap; T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 19–23.iv.2017;
Panama: Chiriqui Province • 1 male, Cuenca 108; Boquete District; Quebrada Jaramillo; off Jaramillo Alto Rd.; Collier property; 8.76320°N, 82.41383°W; 1259 m a.s.l.; Malaise trap; K. Collier, leg.; 8–12.v.2018; MUPADI.
This species is similar to C. akanthos Armitage & Harris, from Panama, as well as C. hidala Oláh & Johanson from Peru, but as noted in the descriptions of these species, they do not fit well within the generic limits of Cerasmatrichia. As with both these species, C. garfioza sp. nov. has three ocelli, the leg spurs are 1,3,4, and the phallus is tubular, all characteristic of the genus. In common with C. hidala, the forewing of this new species has a small scaly area. Cerasmatrichia garfioza sp. nov. is easily identified by the sclerotized hook-like process on abdominal segment IX.
Male. Total length 2.2–2.4 mm, head unmodified, antennae with 21 segments, scape and pedicel each twice as long as proximal flagellomeres, forewings dark brown with pair of white bands at midlength and apex, small scaly patch along dorsal margin, body brown in alcohol. Genitalia. Abdominal segment VII annular with small ventromesal process. Segment VIII tapering ventrad on posterior margin; in ventral view, broadly and deeply emarginate; in dorsal view squarish, slightly emarginated posteriorly. Segment IX somewhat rectanguloid, anteriorly tapering to rounded ventral point, posteriorly divided into two sections, anterior section tapering posteriorly, bearing stout setae on margin, posterior section truncate distally, bearing elongate hooklike sclerotized process posterodorsally; in dorsal view elongate, shallowly emarginate posteriorly, deeply emarginate anteriorly; in ventral view deeply incised posteriorly, with row of elongate setae on mesal margin. Segment X shelflike in lateral view; in dorsal view triangular, membranous distally. Inferior appendage thin and elongate, widening distally and upturned; in ventral view narrow over length, curving outward distally to acute points. Subgenital plate narrow in lateral view, divided posteriorly into elongate dorsal process and shorter ventral process; in ventral view, lower portion rectangular, abruptly narrowing distally to pair of short processes. Phallus tubular, in lateral view narrowing near midlength, apical portion cylindrical with cluster of elongate sclerotized rods; in dorsal view cylindrical apically, pair of diverging, subapical rods.
Panama.
The species name ‘garfioza’ (hook) derives from Spanish, referring to the posterodorsal hooklike process on segment IX. The name is a noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition.
Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 132; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Quebrada Primer Brazo Mulabá; PSPSCB-PNSF-C132-2017-007; 8.52577°N, 81.13045°W; 623 m a.s.l.
Holotype: male, Panama: Veraguas Province; Cuenca 132; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Quebrada Primer Brazo Mulabá; PSPSCB-PNSF-C132-2017-007; 8.52577°N, 81.13045°W; 623 m a.s.l.; Malaise trap; 19–23.iv.2017; A. Cornejo, T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.;
This species is similar to C. akanthos Armitage & Harris, from Panama and C. garfioza sp. nov., both of which have an elongate posterior process from segment IX. The new species is easily identified by the sclerotized process from abdominal segment VIII, the absence of the inferior appendage, and the lack of a ventromesal process on abdominal segment VIII.
Male. Total length 1.8 mm, head unmodified, antennae with 21 segments, scape and pedicel twice as long as proximal flagellomeres, forewings dark brown with white horizontal bands in middle, body brown in alcohol. Genitalia. Abdominal segment VII annular without ventromesal process. Segment VIII tapering posteroventrally; in ventral view quadrate, broadly emarginate posteriorly, clump of stout setae on lateral margins; in dorsal view, narrow, posterior margin emarginate. Segment IX somewhat rectanguloid, anteriorly truncate, tapering ventrad, posterior margin tapering ventrad, prominent hooklike sclerotized process posterodorsally from truncate extension of IX; in dorsal view elongate, anteriorly deeply emarginate, posteriorly divided into two sections, lower section thin and bandlike, upper section roundly tapering distally, slightly incised mesally on posterior margin, lateral posterior processes curving sharply inward apically; in ventral view rectangular, slightly incised anteriorly and posteriorly, narrow posteriorly, lateral processes gently curving inward distally. Segment X bulbous laterally, setose on dorsal surface, dorsally triangular, membranous distally. Inferior appendage lacking, although the process from segment VIII may constitute an inferior appendage. Subgenital plate in lateral view bifid, upper arm thicker and longer than lower, each bearing short spikes, in dorsal view mesally divided into triangular processes which curve outward distally, with serrate outer margins; in ventral view divided mesally, abruptly tapering subapically, apex rounded with lateral spike. Phallus tubular, in lateral view slightly narrowing near midlength, apical portion cylindrical with pair of elongate sclerotized rods; in dorsal view cylindrical apically, narrowing laterally, apically with incised flange, pair of subapical rods which slightly diverge apically.
Panama.
This species is named for the Veraguas Province, where the species was collected.
Costatrichia is a leucotrichiine genus endemic to the Neotropics and distributed from Mexico south to Argentina. This genus is currently represented by 20 species (
Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Río Calovébora; PSPSCB-PNSF-C-097-2017-005; 8.54318°N, 81.16398°W; 536 m a.s.l.
Holotype: male, Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Río Calovébora; PSPSCB-PNSF-C-097-2017-005; 8.54318°N, 81.16398°W; 536 m a.s.l.; Malaise trap; T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 19–23.iv.2017;
This species is most similar to three other species (C. tripartita Flint from Costa Rica and Panama, and C. carara Holzenthal & Harris and C. venezuelensis Flint, both reported from Costa Rica;
Male. Total length 3.5 mm, head missing, forewing with elongate costal bulla, body and wings brown in alcohol. Genitalia. Abdominal segment VII annular with prominent ventromesal process. Segment VIII triangular, reduced dorsally; in ventral view elongate, posteriorly with deep incision. Segment IX generally quadrate, truncate anteriorly, posterior margin slanted, with dorsal knob, laterally with seta-bearing process; in ventral view narrow; in dorsal view enclosed within VIII, anteriorly with shallow emargination, lateral margins sclerotized. Segment X reduced to a short shelf in lateral view; dorsally rounded and membranous. Inferior appendage divided into three elongate processes, dorsalmost process thin and extending ¾ length of mesal and ventralmost processes, narrowing distally, ventralmost process rectangular, truncate distally, mesal process widening at midlength, then abruptly tapering to acute apex; in ventral and dorsal view mesal process tapering apically, slightly longer than ventralmost process which is club-like apically, lateral process about half length of others and tapering distally. Phallus in lateral view wide basally and subapically, narrow at midlength complex which bears sclerotized window and basal loop, subapical spine which is poorly formed and blunt apically; in dorsal view lacking acute spines, subapically divided into pair of elongate flattened plates.
Panama.
This species is named for the Río Calovébora watershed, where the species was collected.
The genus Metrichia (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae: Hydroptilinae: Ochrotrichiini) is represented by 144 species (
Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Río Calovébora; PSPSCB-NPSF-C-097-2017-005; 8.54318°N, 81.16398°W; 536 m a.s.l.
Holotype: male, Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Río Calovébora; PSPSCB-NPSF-C-097-2017-005; 8.54318°N, 81.16398°W; 536 m a.s.l.; Malaise trap; T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 19–23.iv.2017;
This species with the posteromesally incised inferior appendage is similar to M. palida Bueno-Soria & Santiago-Fragoso and M. thomsonae Harris & Armitage both of which occur in Panama. However, the phallus is more similar to M. cafetalera Botosoneanu from Cuba, which also has a pair of prominent apical hooked spines; however, the phallus of M. cafetalera lacks the lateral process seen in M. calovebora sp. nov.. Also, the inferior appendage of M. cafetalera differs in the ventral position of the posterior incision.
Male. Total length 2.1–2.3 mm, 18 antennal segments, forewings with patch of scales on anterior portion, body brown in alcohol. Abdominal segment V with small pair of rounded sacs on dorsum. Genitalia. Segment VII annular with short ventromesal process. Segment VIII triangular, tapering ventrally; in ventral view very short, slight incision mesally on posterior margin, anterior margin rounded; in dorsal view truncate. Segment IX triangular, tapering anteriorly into segment VII, posterior margin sinuate; in ventral view incised mesally on posterior margin; anterior margin rounded; in dorsal view posterior margin expanded mesally. Preanal appendage (cercus) rectangular in lateral view, dorsally ovate. Dorsolateral hook in lateral view narrow over length, tapering apically and curving ventrad; in dorsal view wide basally, tapering to acute apices, curving on outer margin with subapical spike. Segment X shelf-like in lateral view, tapering distally; in dorsal view broadly rounded, membranous apically. Inferior appendage in lateral view incised posteroventrally, dorsal lobe larger than ventral lobe, dorsal and ventral margins nearly parallel-sided; in ventral view narrow over length, subapically abruptly narrowing on inner surface, diverging basally and curved on mesal margin; in dorsal view thin and rectanguloid. Phallus in dorsal view narrowing at midlength, where originates a lateral process, distal portion with pair of large, hooked spines, which appear to be bifid, subapical in position; in lateral view, outer subapical spine more curved than inner spine which appears to originate from base of outer spine, apex expanded and plate-like.
Panama.
This species is named for the Río Calovébora where the species was collected.
Panama: Chiriqui Province: Cuenca 108; Boquete District; Volcán Barú NP; Río del Guayabo; PSPSCB-PNVB-C108-2017-018; 8.84939°N, 82.49349°W; 1947 m a.s.l.
Holotype: male, Panama: Chiriqui Province: Cuenca 108; Boquete District; Volcán Barú NP; Río del Guayabo; PSPSCB-PNVB-C108-2017-018; 8.84939°N, 82.49349°W; 1947 m a.s.l.; Malaise trap; E. Álvarez, E. Pérez, T. Ríos; 5–8.vi.2017;
Similar in many respects to both M. pakitza Flint & Bueno-Soria and M. diosa Flint & Bueno-Soria, both from Peru, M. cascada sp. nov. is distinguished from these species by the sharply narrowed posterior of the inferior appendage in lateral view, which is also deeply incised posteroventrally. There is also a spinose projection from the basal anterior margin and a knob-like process from the posterior margin of the inferior appendage when viewed in dorsal or ventral views in M. cascada sp. nov., which is not seen in the related species.
Male. Total length 1.9 mm, antenna short with 17 segments, middle segments flattened and widening, wings and body brown in alcohol, abdominal terga without modifications. Genitalia. Abdominal segment VII annular without ventromesal process. Segment VIII triangular, tapering ventrally; in ventral view very short, broad emargination posteriorly; in dorsal view truncate. Segment IX triangular, tapering anteriorly into segment VII, posterior margin sinuate; in ventral view slightly incised mesally on posterior margin, anterior margin rounded; narrow in dorsal view. Preanal appendage (cercus) ovate laterally and dorsally. Dorsolateral hook in lateral view narrow over length, tapering apically and curving ventrad; in dorsal view narrow over length, apices rounded and tapering inward. Segment X lobate in lateral view, rounded distally; in dorsal view broadly triangular, apex truncate and membranous. Inferior appendage in lateral view wide basally and rounded, tapering distally, incised posteroventrally, upper portion long and pointed apically, lower portion short and acute, process with numerous dark peg-like setae from basal inner margin; in ventral view wide basally, tapering distally, subapical knob on inner margin; in dorsal view wide basally, tapering distally, subapical spike on inner margin, renal-shaped process bearing short pegs on inner margin near base. Phallus in dorsal view wide basally, narrowing apically, distal portion with pair of spines, subapical spine larger than apical spine, and straight, apical spine short and curved; in lateral view, subapical spine twice as long and thicker than apical spine, curving slightly under phallic shaft, apical spine short and dorsal in position.
Panama.
The species name cascada (cascade or waterfall) derives from Spanish, referring to the cascade on the Río del Guayabo where the species was collected.
Panama: Chiriqui Province: Cuenca 108; Boquete District; Volcán Barú NP; Río del Guayabo; PSPSCB-PNVB-C108-2017-018; 8.84939°N, 82.49349°W; 1947 m a.s.l.
Holotype: male, Panama: Chiriqui Province: Cuenca 108; Boquete District; Volcán Barú NP; Río del Guayabo; PSPSCB-PNVB-C108-2017-018; 8.84939°N, 82.49349°W; 1947 m a.s.l.; Malaise trap; E. Álvarez, E. Pérez, T. Ríos; 5–8.vi.2017;
This species with the ventrally elongate inferior appendage is similar to M. calla Thomson & Armitage, M. plax Thomson & Armitage, and M. sesquipedalis Bueno-Soria & Holzenthal, all of which occur in Panama. The new species is recognized by the deeply incised posterior margin of the inferior appendage, with the dorsal process nearly half as long as the ventral process, which in M. calla and M. plax is short, and absent in M. sesquipedalis; additionally, the inferior appendage in M. chiriquiensis sp. nov. is prominently serrate on the ventral margin. Also, the abdominal terga of M. chiriquiensis sp. nov. lack modifications as does M. sesquipedalis, while those of M. calla have long hair clusters and M. plax has elongate lobes.
Male. Total length 2.8 mm, 20 antennal segments, middle segments widening and flat, wings and body brown in alcohol. Abdominal terga without modifications. Genitalia. Segment VII annular with short ventromesal process. Segment VIII triangular, tapering ventrally; in ventral view very narrow, deep mesal incision; in dorsal view truncate. Segment IX triangular, tapering anteriorly into segment VII, posterior margin sinuate; in ventral view slightly incised mesally on posterior margin; anterior margin rounded; in dorsal view narrow. Preanal appendage (cercus) ovate in lateral view, dorsally circular. Dorsolateral hook in lateral view thin basally, then widening subapically, tapering distally, and curving ventrad; in dorsal view narrow, tapering to acute apices, sinuate on outer margins. Segment X in lateral view short, thin, and membranous; in dorsal view short, tapering distally to truncate apex. Inferior appendage in lateral view deeply incised posteromesally forming two thin elongate processes, dorsal process about half length of ventral process, which is serrate on ventral margin; in ventral view lower process wide basally, narrowing subapically, diverging basally with outer edge serrate; in dorsal view upper process thin over length and strongly curving mesad. Phallus in dorsal view narrowing at midlength, where originates a lateral process, distal portion with pair of large spines, lower spine curved, upper spine sinuate; in lateral view, lower spine dorsal in position and about half length of upper sinuate spine, apex with curved sclerotized process.
Panama.
This species is named for Chiriqui Province where the species was collected.
Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Río Calovébora; PSPSCB-PNSF-C097-2017-005; 8.54318°N, 81.16398°W; 536 m a.s.l.
Holotype: male, Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Río Calovébora; PSPSCB-PNSF-C097-2017-005; 8.54318°N, 81.16398°W; 536 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 21.iv.2017;
This species shares a number of character states with M. angulosa Bueno-Soria & Holzenthal, which occurs in Costa Rica and Panama. Both species have a similarly shaped inferior appendage, with dentate posterior margin, and both have apical spines on the phallus. However, while M. angulosa has prominent reniform pouches on the dorsum of abdominal segment V, the abdomen of M. escobilla sp. nov. lacks abdominal modifications. As well, the new species has both phallic spines pointed, rather than one truncate as in M. angulosa, the dentation on the posterior margin of the inferior appendage is more pronounced, and the brush-like apex of the dorsolateral hook is unique to M. escobilla sp. nov..
Male. Total length 1.6 mm, 18 antennal segments, wings and body brown in alcohol, abdominal terga without modifications. Genitalia. Abdominal segment VII annular without short ventromesal process. Segment VIII triangular, tapering ventrally; in ventral view deeply incised mesally; in dorsal view quadrate. Segment IX triangular, truncate posteriorly, tapering anteriorly into segment VII. Preanal appendage (cercus) oval in lateral and dorsal views. Dorsolateral hook in lateral view wide basally, converging near midlength, apex serrate ventrally; in dorsal view wide basally, tapering to serrate margins at apices. Segment X lobate; in dorsal view triangular, membranous apically. Inferior appendage in lateral view narrow at base then widening dorsally, rounded apically; in dorsal and ventral view quadrate, diverging basally, posterior margins dentate. Phallus very long, extending into segment V; in dorsal view wide basally, narrowing posteriorly, pair of spines apically, subapical spine longer than apical, lateral process originating at midlength; in lateral view, subapical spine slightly longer than apical, both nearly straight, phallus apex widening into plate-like structure.
Panama.
The species name escobillla (brush) derives from Spanish, referring to the brush-like apex of the dorsolateral hook in lateral view. The name is a noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition.
Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Quebrada sin nombre; PSPSCB-PNSF-C-097-2017-006; 8.55038°N, 81.16486°W; 515 m a.s.l.
Holotype: male, Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Quebrada sin nombre; PSPSCB-PNSF-C-097-2017-006; 8.55038°N, 81.16486°W; 515 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; A. Cornejo,T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 20.iv.2017;
Panama: Veraguas Province • 1 male, Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Río Calovébora; PSPSCB-NPSF-C-097-2017-005; 8.54318°N, 81.16398°W; 536 m a.s.l.; Malaise trap; T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 19–23.iv.2017 • ibid., 1 male, UV light trap; 19–21.iv.2017 • ibid., 1 male, Quebrada sin nombre; PSPSCB-NPSF-C-097-2017-011; 8.55343°N, 81.17675°W; 395 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; A. Cornejo, T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 20.iv.2017; • ibid., 1 male, Cuenca 132; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Quebrada Primer Brazo Mulabá; PSPSCB-PNSF-C132-2017-007; 8.52577°N, 81.13045°W; 623 m a.s.l.; Malaise trap; A. Cornejo, T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 19–23.iv.2017 • 1 male, Quebrada Segundo Brazo Mulabá; Santa Fe NP; PSPSCB-PNSF-C132-2017-010; 8.52906°N, 81.13943°W; 662 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 19.iv.2017 • ibid., 2 males, Quebrada Tercer Brazo Mulabá; Santa Fe NP; PSPSCB-PNSF-C132-2017-014; antes de caseta MiAmbiente; 8.53143°N, 81.14975°W; 746 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 21.iv.2017 • ibid., 64 males, Cuenca 097; Río Piedra de Moler; PSPSCB-PNSF-C097-2017-012; 8.56553°N, 81.18817°W; 340 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; A. Cornejo, T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 20.iv.2017.
This species has a number of features in common with other Metrichia, but the combination of character states renders it unique. The triangular inferior appendage with a rounded apex, in lateral view, resembles those of M. bracui Santos,Takiya & Nessimian and several members of the Metrichia neotropicalis group (Flint 1983), such as M. patagonica Flint. However, the phallus of M. leahae sp. nov. has a pair of apical spines, absent in those species with a triangular inferior appendage, but similar to those seen in M. longitudinis Bueno-Soria, M. gombosa Oláh & Johanson, and M. kocka Oláh & Johanson all of which have a differently shaped inferior appendage.
Male. Total length 1.8–2.2 mm, antenna broken, forewings with white band at midlength, body brown in alcohol. Abdominal segment V with pair of setose glands on dorsum. Segment VI with pair of medial sacs on dorsum, lateral finger-like glands which telescope. Genitalia. Segment VII with pair of setose glands on dorsum, laterally wide dorsally tapering ventrad; in ventral view narrow, with broad incision on posterior margin. Segment IX in lateral view triangular, narrow, and truncate posteriorly, tapering anteriorly into segment VI. Preanal appendage (cercus) short and rounded distally in lateral view; in dorsal view oval in shape. Dorsolateral hook in lateral view thin, slightly downturned apically; in dorsal view narrow over length, preapical spine on outer margin. Segment X thin and shelf-like in lateral view; in dorsal view rectanguloid. Inferior appendage triangular in lateral view, tapering distally to rounded apex; in ventral and dorsal views oval in shape with lateral margins lightly sclerotized. Phallus in dorsal view thin and elongate, pair of apical spines, lowermost spine curving outward, upper spine short and straight; in lateral view, subapical spine curving upward and apical spine, separated and curving downward.
Panama.
This species is named for Leah Keth, who completed many of the illustrations in this paper and in many others in previous manuscripts for the authors.
Panama: Panama Oeste Province: Cuenca 138; Chame District; Altos de Campana NP; Río Sajalices; PSPSCB-PNAC-C115-2018-030; 8.67625°N, 79.89748°W; 194 m a.s.l.
Holotype: male, Panama: Panama Oeste Province: Cuenca 138; Chame District; Altos de Campana NP; Río Sajalices; PSPSCB-PNAC-C115-2018-030; 8.67625°N, 79.89748°W; 194 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; E. Pérez, C. Nieto, M. Molinar, T. Ríos, leg.; 29.v.2018;
This species shares a number of character states with M. haranga Oláh & Johanson from Peru, both of which have segment X elongate and dorsolateral hooks, as well as a pair of apical phallic spines. However, in M. haranga these phallic spines are subapical in position, compared to apical in M. tatianae sp. nov., and the inferior appendage in M. tatianae sp. nov. is not triangular as seen in M. haranga, but rather ovoid with the posterior margin incised and much more spinose.
Male. Total length 2.1 mm, 20 antennal segments, wings and body brown in alcohol, abdominal terga without modifications. Genitalia. Abdominal segment VII annular with short ventromesal process. Segment VIII triangular, tapering ventrally; in ventral view deeply incised mesally; in dorsal view quadrate. Segment IX in lateral view triangular, truncate posteriorly, tapering anteriorly into segment VII. Preanal appendage (cercus) oval in lateral and dorsal views. Dorsolateral hook in lateral view very long, thin, tapering to acute apex; in dorsal view wide basally, tapering to acute apices. Segment X very long in lateral view, wide basally and setose, then tapering to acute apex; in dorsal view triangular, apex divided into two tapering processes. Inferior appendage in lateral view somewhat quadrate, narrow at base then widening dorsally, tapering distally to apex which is deeply incised on posterior margin; in dorsal view ovoid, numerous peg-like setae on the mesal surface; in ventral view inner margins diverging, outer margins curved, posterior margins with pointed process. Phallus in dorsal view thin and elongate, pair of separated apical spines mesally; in lateral view, subapical spine shorter than apical spine, both curving upward, phallus apex with small sclerotized spike.
Panama.
This species is named for Tatiana I. Arefina-Armitage, who completed many of the illustrations in this paper and also did much of the editorial work. We also recognize her lifetime of contributions to Trichopterology.
The genus Ochrotrichia (Hydroptilinae: Ochrotrichiini) is represented by at least 221 extant species (
Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Río Calovébora; PSPSCB-NPSF-C-097-2017-005; 8.54318°N, 81.16398°W; 536 m a.s.l.
Holotype: male, Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Río Calovébora; PSPSCB-NPSF-C-097-2017-005; 8.54318°N, 81.16398°W; 536 m a.s.l.; Malaise trap; T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 19-23.iv.2017;
This unusual species with a large, flap-like inferior appendage is most similar to O. unica Bueno-Soria & Santiago-Fragoso from Columbia and O. legeza Oláh & Johanson from Peru, which are similar in the lateral aspect. It differs in the size of the lateral process of the inferior appendage, the structure of tergum X, and the angled phallic apex.
Male. Total length 3.0 mm, antennae long with 38 antennal segments, wings and body brown in alcohol. Genitalia. Abdominal segment VII annular with short ventromesal process. Segment VIII in lateral view wide dorsally, tapering ventrad on posterior margin; quadrate in dorsal view. Segment IX rectangular in lateral view, incomplete dorsally sinuate posteriorly; in ventral view reduced dorsally, tapering anteriorly; in dorsal view incised on lateral margins. Segment X triangular in lateral view, with sclerotized dorsal plate; in dorsal view triangular, thin, sclerotized, mesal rod with lateral spike apically. Inferior appendage in lateral view narrow at base, widening at midlength and bearing numerous peg-like setae on inner margin, then angled dorsad and tapering distally to rounded apex, large lobe on inner surface subapically; in ventral and dorsal views, narrow basally, greatly widening distally and turning inward, apices overlapping, numerous peg-like setae on lateral margins. Phallus in dorsal view thin over length, but wider basally, apex angled forming short spike.
Panama.
The species name conejoreja (rabbit-eared) derives from Spanish, referring to the inferior appendage, which reminded the authors of a rabbit ear.
Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Quebrada sin nombre; PSPSCB-PNSF-C-097-2017-006; 8.55038°N, 81.16486°W; 515 m a.s.l.
Holotype: male, Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Quebrada sin nombre; PSPSCB-PNSF-C-097-2017-006; 8.55038°N, 81.16486°W; 515 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; A. Cornejo,T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 20.iv.2017;
Panama: Veraguas Province • 2 males, Río Calovébora; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; PSPSCB-NPSF-C-097-2017-005; 8.54318°N, 81.16398°W; 536 m a.s.l.; Malaise trap; T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 19–23.iv.2017; MUPADI.
This species is most similar to O. flagellata Flint and O. birdae Harris & Armitage, both of which occur in Panama. It differs from these species primarily in the appearance of the phallic apex. In O. flagellata the phallus apex has a prominent loop, in O. birdae this loop is absent, and in the new species this loop is replaced by two short acute processes. Additionally, the apex of the tenth tergite in O. paraflagellata sp. nov. is asymmetrical, but it is symmetrical in the other two species and there is a ventromesal process from abdominal segment VII which is not found in the other two species.
Male. Total length 2.2–2.4 mm, 28 antennal segments, wings and body brown in alcohol. Genitalia. Abdominal segment VII annular with short ventromesal process. Segment VIII in lateral view truncate posteroventrally, narrowing dorsad, anterior margin tapering ventrad; reduced dorsally and apparently fused with IX, ventrally generally quadrate. Segment IX greatly reduced laterally; in dorsal view deeply incised, producing elongate lateral lobes. Segment X elongate in lateral view, wide basally, narrowing posteriorly, to narrow acute apex; in dorsal view rectangular, apex narrowing on one side to rounded apex. Inferior appendage parallel-sided, curving at midlength to rounded apex, numerous peg-like setae on inner margin; in ventral view, wide basally, curving on inner margin to rounded apex, peg-like setae at base and apex. Phallus in lateral and dorsal view thin over length, but wider basally, apex divided into pair of short acute processes, one projecting forward, the other backwards.
Panama.
The species name paraflagellata (flagellata-like) derives from Spanish, referring its resemblance to Ochrotrichia flagellata.
A member of the Hydroptilinae, Oxyethira is cosmopolitan in distribution. Currently, there are about 100 species in the Neotropics, including the Greater and Lesser Antilles (
Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 132; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Lago cabaña Alto de Piedra; PSPSCB-PNSF-C132-2017-013; Lago cabaña Alto de Piedra; 8.51423°N, 81.11679°W; 859 m a.s.l.
Holotype: male, Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 132; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Lago cabaña Alto de Piedra; PSPSCB-PNSF-C132-2017-013; Lago cabaña Alto de Piedra; 8.51423°N, 81.11679°W; 859 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 20.iv.2017;
This species is a member of the Oxyethira aeola group of the subgenus Oxytrichia, with closest similarity to O. apinolada Holzenthal & Harris. It differs from this species, which occurs in Panama and neighboring Costa Rica, in the ear-like appearance of the subgenital plate in dorsal view, the distinct presence of segment X, and the prominent bilobed process which is absent or indistinct in O. apinolada.
Male. Total length 2.5 mm, 27 antennal segments, wings and body brown in alcohol. Genitalia. Abdominal segment VII annular, with short ventromesal process. Segment VIII with prominent, dorsoapical shelf, margin straight ventrad; in dorsal view, broadly incised posteriorly; in ventral view with deep, V-shaped mesal incision. Segment IX largely contained within VIII, tapering anteriorly into segment VII, posteriorly with narrow, shelf-like lobe. Segment X membranous, extending slightly beyond segment VIII in lateral view. Inferior appendage in lateral view narrow, apex rounded; in ventral view with pair of rounded lobes adjacent to triangular mesal lobe. Subgenital plate tapering distally to acute apex; in ventral view narrow, curving outward to acute apices; in dorsal view, falcate, bent sharply at midlength to acute apices. Bilobed process elongate laterally, wide basally tapering posteriorly and bearing an elongate seta; in dorsal and ventral views narrow over length. Phallus wide basally and apically, apex with heavily sclerotized spine nearly encircling shaft.
Panama.
This species is named for Dr Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, former President of the Pennsylvania Western University, which includes Clarion University, in recognition of her leadership and support of scholarship at these institutions.
A moderately large, Neotropical genus with approximately 54 species (
Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Quebrada sin nombre; PSPSCB-PNSF-C-097-2017-006; 8.55038°N, 81.16486°W; 515 m a.s.l.
Holotype: male, Panama: Veraguas Province: Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Quebrada sin nombre; PSPSCB-PNSF-C-097-2017-006; 8.55038°N, 81.16486°W; 515 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; A. Cornejo,T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 20.iv.2017;
Panama: Veraguas Province • Cuenca 097; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; Río Calovébora; PSPSCB-NPSF-C-097-2017-005; 8.54318°N, 81.16398°W; 536 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 19–23.iv.2017; 65 males; ibid., Malaise trap; T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 19–23.iv.2017; 1 male • ibid., Río Calovébora; Santa Fe District; Santa Fe NP; PSPSCB-NPSF-C-097-2017-005; 8.54318°N, 81.16398°W; 536 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 21.iv.2017; 14 males • ibid., Río Piedra de Moler; PSPSCB-PNSF-C097-2017-012; 8.56553°N, 81.18817°W; 340 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; A. Cornejo, T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 21.iv.2017; 5 males • ibid., Quebrada sin nombre; PSPSCB-NPSF-C-097-2017-011; 8.55343°N, 81.17675°W; 395 m a.s.l.; UV light trap; A. Cornejo, T. Ríos, E. Álvarez, C. Nieto, leg.; 20.iv.2017; 13 males (
On the basis of the tripartite inferior appendage, this species is placed in the Zumatrichia galtena group of Flint (1970), showing similarity to Z. attenuata Flint, Z. dereka Oláh & Flint, and Z. flinti Harris & Armitage all of which occur in Panama. It differs from these species in the structure of the inferior appendage and the phallus, which has a distinctive sinuate dorsal rod, not seen in the other species.
Male. Total length 4.5–5.5 mm, 19 antennal segments with scape enlarged, wings dark brown with while diagonal band near forewing midlength, body brown in alcohol. Genitalia. Abdominal segment VII annular with ventromesal process. Segment VIII in lateral view truncate posteriorly, tapering anterodorsally; in dorsal view with deep, broad emargination, anteriorly; in ventral view with broad posterior incision, narrowing anteriorly. Segment IX generally quadrate in lateral view, narrowing anteriorly, posterior margin with dorsal lobe, elongate setal-bearing process posteroventrally, mesal incision on posterior margin; dorsally emarginated on posterior and anterior margins. Segment X rectanguloid in lateral aspect, distally bifid and membranous; in dorsal view triangular. Inferior appendage tripartite, dorsalmost process angled dorsally then thin and elongate, with subapical ventral process, medial process thin and acute distally, ventralmost process rectangular, truncate distally; in ventral view this ventralmost process is truncate posteriorly with numerous setae, incised on lateral margins and serrate. Penal sheath with subapical point in lateral view; phallus with medial ring-like structure, posteriorly with pair of elongate ventral spines, dorsally with sinuate process which ends in small incisions; in dorsal view this thin sinuate process extends from the ring-like structure to the phallic apex.
Panama.
The species name culebra (snake) derives from Spanish, referring to the sinuate dorsal rod of the phallus.
The PSPSCB project, while not as thorough or extensive as originally planned, has produced a large number of new species and new country records of Trichoptera for Panama. The very positive results of these short visits to a variety of sites in a few of Panama’s protected areas provide a strong motive for conducting more extensive surveys at multiple times during the year, employing these same survey methods; this is not the final note because there are a number of macro-Trichoptera which still await description. The results of this project and others in which we have embarked convince us that there are many more new species and first country records awaiting our curiosity and determination.
With the description and publication of the 16 new species here, the total number of Trichoptera species recorded for Panama now stands at 506, an increase of 249 species over the total number (n = 257) when we started publishing our results in 2015. Whereas a significant number of macro-Trichoptera have been added to Panama’s fauna, primarily as first country records, the micro-Trichoptera continue to be the group with the most potential for increasing Panama’s species diversity for this order of insects.
All of the new species included herein were acquired through the Sustainable Production System and Biodiversity Conservation Project (PSPSCB), conducted in a variety of Panamanian national parks and protected areas. We acknowledge the Panamanian Ministry of Environment, which managed this project with funding from the World Bank, and who provided collecting permits and other support. We thank Tomás A. Ríos González, Eric Álvarez, Edgar Pérez, Yusseff P. Aguirre, Carlos Nieto, and Aydeé Cornejo who collectively made all of the national park collections. We also appreciate the organizational and logistical support by the Gorgas Institute and COZEM concerning this project. We thank Kelly Collier of Finca Monterey, Boquete for permissions, collections, and logistical support in collecting one species from Quebrada Jaramillo. We are indebted to Albert Thurman for his logistical support and friendship. We appreciate the artistic efforts of Leah Keth and Tatiana I. Arefina-Armitage in drawing the illustrations, and the latter’s expertise in editing the manuscript. The continued, generous support of our research group by Deborah Eisberg of Boquete, Panama is sincerely appreciated. Finally, we thank the reviewers and editors for evaluating and improving this manuscript. The work involved in generating the results found in this report and the production of the manuscript itself was made possible thanks to support to the corresponding author (BJA) by the Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI) of the Secretaria Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENACYT), Panama.
The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
No ethical statement was reported.
We acknowledge the Panamanian Ministry of Environment, which managed this project with funding from the World Bank.
Conceptualization: BJA. Data curation: BJA. Formal analysis: SCH. Funding acquisition: BJA.
Steven C. Harris https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6432-7462
Brian J. Armitage https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3182-1533
All of the data that support the findings of this study are available in the main text.