Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The Empididae fauna of Chile is basically known from a taxonomic perspective. Herein, we have added biological data based on a species of Hilarini, improving our knowledge regarding the southern temperate fauna of the family. We report for the first time the prey and nocturnal activities of the Patagonian empidid species Hilarempis sigillata Collin, 1933. Specimens were collected until two hours after sunset on a white light sheet at a river margin in the Chilean region of Los Lagos, close to the Puyehue National Park. Adults were found on the sheet with prey of the Chironomidae genera Cricotopus, Xestochironomus, Microtendipes, Podochlus, Heptagyia and Reissmesa (Diptera), as well as a species of the Coniopterygidae genus Semidalis (Neuroptera) and a species of the Limoniidae genus Erioptera (Diptera). The empidids held the prey close to their body using the mid tarsi, in most cases with the ventral side of the prey turned up or laterally.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT A new antlion species, Tyttholeon froehlichi Tavares, Marquez and Contreras sp. n., is described from the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, an area biogeographically significant for its high number of endemic species. Previously monotypic, Tyttholeon Adams now comprises two Nearctic species. Three of the four genera within the formerly recognized tribe Gnopholeontini and their respective species, all present in the Peninsula of Baja California (Gnopholeon barberi Currie, G. delicatulus Currie, G. zapotecus Stange, Menkeleon bellulus Banks, and Tyttholeon puerilis Adams), are herein diagnosed, illustrated, and have their distribution updated and analyzed. A taxonomic key is provided for Tyttholeon.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Despite the growing number of studies on mayflies (Ephemeroptera), especially in terms of description of new species and distributional records, the knowledge generated remains scattered across specialized literature. This dispersion poses a challenge for non-specialists, such as ecologists, hindering their ability to promote studies and conservation actions. In order to fill this gap, we are launching EphemBrazil: an online database focusing on the distribution of mayflies in Brazil. The main objectives of this platform are to compile a dataset of distributional information for the valid species of Ephemeroptera in Brazil, provide open access to this dataset through an interactive and easily updated website, and offer dynamic distributional maps for species, genera, and families of Brazilian mayflies. EphemBrazil aims to facilitate the retrieval and access of distributional and basic taxonomic information for the order.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Sixteen species of the microcaddisfly Ochrotrichia Mosely, 1934 (Hydroptilidae) have been recorded so far in Brazil, mainly distributed in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. In order to reduce the Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls for the Ochrotrichia Brazilian fauna, we diagnose, describe, and illustrate three new species based on adult males from three protected and preserved areas of the Cerrado biome of Federal District (Central-West region), Minas Gerais (Southeast region) and Tocantins (North region) states; all of them named in honor of three great Brazilian entomologists viz., Ochrotrichia froehlichi sp. nov., Ochrotrichia machadoi sp. nov. and Ochrotrichia nessimiani sp. nov. They can be recognized mainly by the morphology of the tergum X, number, and position of the spine-like setae of the inferior appendages. This contribution represents the first record of Ochrotrichia for the Central-West region, increasing the number of species of this genus in Cerrado biome from one to four, and is the first report of a microcaddisfly for the Federal District. In addition, the genus is reported for the first time from Paraná, São Francisco, and Tocantins hydrographic basins. Finally, we provide a checklist of the Ochrotrichia species from Brazil.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Two recently revealed genera, Claudiotendipes, consisting of three distinct species, and the monotypic Tapajos, have new species described. We describe and figure Claudiotendipes gilbertoi sp. n., based on male adult specimens collected in the southern Atlantic Forest of Rio Grande do Sul State. Additionally, we describe and figure Tapajos froehlichi sp. n., from male adults collected in the Amazon Forest from Amazonas and Rondônia States. In order to place the newly described T. froehlichi sp. n., minor emendations have been made to the diagnosis and description of Tapajos.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The genus Nectopsyche is widely recognized by its striking adults, with colored setae and scales, even metallic and/or iridescent. It is primarily distributed in the Neotropical region, with a few species found in the Nearctics. Nectopsyche has more than 100 described species, with 26 of them recorded in Brazil. In Pará state, one of the largest Brazilian’ states, only three species have been recorded. In contribution to the taxonomic knowledge about the Neotropical caddisflies, especially those of the Amazonian region, we propose two new species of Nectopsyche from Pará state based on male specimens: Nectopsyche tridentata n. sp. and Nectopsyche froehlichi n. sp. In addition, Nectopsyche acutiloba, Nectopsyche adusta, Nectopsyche jenseni, and Nectopsyche quatuorguttata are recorded for the first time in the state of Pará. Our results increase the number of Nectopsyche species recorded in Brazil to 28, and the number of recorded species in the state of Pará to eight.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The male and female imago stage and a new species of the Hermanella complex are described based on material from Pará State, Northern Brazil: Hydromastodon cf. mikei (Thomas & Boutonnet, 2004) and Paramaka froehlichi sp. nov. The male imago of Hydromastodon cf. mikei can be distinguished from Hydromastodon sallesi by the following combination of characters: (1) body color pattern, especially abdominal terga translucent white with terga I to IV washed with black on posterior margin; (2) compound eyes anteriorly rounded; (3) medial projection of the styliger plate short; and (4) penis lobes close to each other and with posterolateral projection as long as ½ of its length. The male imago of Paramaka froehlichi sp.nov. can be distinguished the from the other species of the genus by the following combination of characters: (1) fore and hind wings with membrane brown; (2) legs uniformly yellowish-white, without distal band; (3) abdominal terga II to VI with marks more expanded laterally, median line absent; (4) medial projection of the styliger plate broad; (5) base of telopenis arising at distal ⅔ of penis lobe; and (6): body size of 6.1 to 7.6 mm.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Five new species of Alisotrichia Flint, 1964 microcaddisflies are described and illustrated from type material collected in Northeastern Brazil, constituting the first records of the genus to this region, as it was previously known only from Southeastern and Northern Brazil. The number of Brazilian species of Alisotrichia is doubled herein from five to ten, however, likely there are still many other species to be described. The new species described here are all placed in the orophila species group: A. froehlichi sp. nov. (Sergipe State), A. calori sp. nov. (Bahia and Paraíba states), A. penispinata sp. nov. (Ceará and Pernambuco states), A. dilatata sp. nov. (Ceará and Mato Grosso do Sul states), and A. nordestina sp. nov. (Ceará and Sergipe states). These new species are separated mainly by features of male genitalia, particularly the dorsal area of segment X, the shape of the segment VIII, and the phallus morphology. Currently, the orophila species group is composed by 37 species, more than half of the species diversity of Alisotrichia.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Insects are fundamental to biodiversity conservation in almost all ecosystems, and their population decline, and extinction directly result from environmental impacts. These facts are aggravated by the lack of knowledge of insect biodiversity, the so-called biodiversity deficits, especially the Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls. In freshwater ecosystems, biodiversity loss is higher among aquatic insects, and caddisflies comprise one of the most vulnerable orders. In this way, research focusing on describing new caddisfly species and understanding their distribution ranges will increase knowledge of caddisfly biodiversity. In the past 14 years, the team from the Laboratório de Entomologia Aquática “Prof. Dr. Claudio Gilberto Froehlich” (LEAq, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brazil) and collaborators have been addressing these issues, resulting in 55 described species of caddisflies. Taxa in other insect orders have also received attention and an additional 16 species have been described (eight mayflies, four stoneflies, four neuropteran spongillaflies, and antlions). Here, eight caddisfly species are described and illustrated (Atopsyche froehlichi sp. nov., Austrotinodes zeferina sp. nov., Cernotina kariri sp. nov., Neoathripsodes froehlichi sp. nov., Notalina claudiofroehlichi sp. nov., Oecetis marcus sp. nov., Phylloicus froehlichi sp. nov., and Polycentropus claudioi sp. nov.), five of them in honor of LEAq’s patron. In addition, new distributional data are presented for 10 known species. A checklist of the caddisfly fauna of Bahia state is also presented, with 138 species, around 75% and 30% of them recorded and described by the LEAq team, respectively. Currently, for caddisflies, Bahia is the fifth most species-rich state in Brazil, and the first in the Brazilian Northeast region.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The order Plecoptera comprises nearly 4,400 species of freshwater insects known for their specific temperature requirements. In Brazil, there are 207 valid extant species, with 172 (83%) being endemic, and particularly the genus Anacroneuria is well-represented. This study aims to present a comprehensive overview of the taxonomy of Brazilian Plecoptera using a scientometric approach. Initially, European authors dominated the taxonomy, describing 67 species by the mid-20th century, but Brazilian researchers, notably Claudio Gilberto Froehlich, have made significant contributions, describing 82 species. Type-specimens of Brazilian species are mostly held in Brazilian institutions, with the MZSP in São Paulo housing the majority (79.8%). São Paulo is the state with the highest number of species (67), followed by Rio de Janeiro (47) and Santa Catarina (47). The states of Alagoas, Paraíba, and Rio Grande do Norte have no recorded Plecoptera species. Among Brazilian terrestrial biomes, the Atlantic Forest exhibits the highest number of species, with 140 known species, followed by the Brazilian Savanna (57). The Hydrographic Region of Southeast Atlantic is that with the largest number of species (82). Limited data exist on the immature stages of Plecoptera across most genera, representing only a quarter of the current diversity in Brazil. Additionally, only 9.7% of the species have available molecular sequence data. Despite these challenges, the Plecoptera in Brazil demonstrate remarkable species diversity, with a significant proportion of endemism. Both European and Brazilian researchers have played crucial roles in advancing the taxonomy and understanding of this fascinating group of insects.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT A new species of Gripopteryginae stonefly, Tupiperla claudius sp. nov. (holotype male deposited in DZUP: Brazil, Paraná State, Piraquara municipality, Pico do Marumbi State Park), is described and diagnosed based on seven adult males. The new species differs from its congeners by the long T10 extension, dorsally with straight lateral margins and tip truncated, protruding into a pair of short downward teeth in lateral view; paraproct long, surpassing the T10 extension dorsally, with a basal membranous-like area and a row of minute spines on the middle of the appendage length dorsally. Specimens of T. claudius sp. nov. from the Protected Area Mananciais da Serra in the Serra do Mar represent the very first gripopterygids recorded in the state of Paraná and are also a remarkable record for the genus for the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Prof. Dr. Claudio Gilberto Froehlich’s career is presented here using numbers and actions guided by a genuine way to study biodiversity, especially aquatic ecosystems. An extensive number of publications is accompanied by an investment in human resources training and establishing a vast network of collaborators and friendships. Dr. Peter Zwick mentioned the Southeast Region of Brazil as “Froehlich’s Autonomous Stonefly Republic”, to express the magnitude of Prof. Froehlich’s scientific production on Neotropical Plecoptera. In this special volume in honor of Prof. Froehlich, the numbers of his career support Zwick's affirmation. Thirty-nine students graduated in MSc and/or PhD courses, two books, and 20 book chapters were published, as well as 95 articles on geoplanids, onychophorans, cnidarians, mayflies, coleopterans, caddisflies, and especially stoneflies. Froehlich’s legacy includes different ways to observe nature, from taxonomy to ecology, from flatworms to stoneflies.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The limited knowledge of biodiversity constrains conservation strategies in a wide range of questions. Overcoming and recognizing these knowledge deficits require integrated efforts by current researchers and constitute crucial challenges for the next generations. Prof. Dr. Claudio Froehlich was a pioneer in implementing a research program integrating ecology and taxonomy, especially in aquatic insects, in Brazil. This special issue was conceptualized to honor his prolific scientific career and constitutes a tribute to the pioneering in Brazilian aquatic entomology. A brief biography of Prof. Dr. Claudio Froehlich was presented as well as 13 papers facing the biodiversity knowledge shortfalls from five insect orders (Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Neuroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera), with behavior reports (Eltonian shortfall), 23 new species described (Linnean shortfall), and distribution records for several taxa (Wallacean shortfall).