The subtribes and genera of the tribe Broscini (Coleoptera: Carabidae): cladistic analysis, taxonomic treatment, and biogeographical considerations

Phylogenetic relationships of the genera of the tribe Broscini (Carabidae) are postulated based on cladistic methods. Seventy-three morphological characters were examined in 88 species, arranged in 41 genera and subgenera, and with the related tribes Melaenini and Apotomini as outgroups. In all the obtained cladograms, the genera are grouped in five clades recognized as the basis for a new subtribal classification: the Oriental-Palearctic-Neotropical Axonyina, new subtribe (type genus, Axonya Andrewes) with 3 genera; the Holarctic-Oriental subtribe Broscina (type genus Broscus Panzer) with 9 genera; the south temperate Australian-Neotropical Nothobroscina new subtribe (type genus Nothobroscus Roig-Juñent and Ball) with 10 genera; the south temperate Neotropical Barypina (type genus Barypus Dejean) with 2 genera; and the south temperate Australian-Neotropical Creobiina (type genus Creobius Guérin-Ménéville) with 11 genera. Species groups within diverse genera Barypus, Eurylychnus Bates, and Promecoderus Dejean were treated as terminal units to test monophyly of these genera. Results of the analysis show that only Promecoderus is not monophyletic, as presently structured. Keys and diagnoses are provided for the genera of Broscini, and all taxonomically important structures are illustrated. Genital features of males and females are described for the first time for several genera. The barypine genus Microbarypus, with its type species M. silvicola (type locality Alto Queulat, Aisén, Chile) is described as new. The species Percosoma concolor Sloane, P. substriatum Moore, and P. montanum Castelnau are transferred to the genus Chylnus. Type species are designated for Adotela Castelnau (Adotela concolor Castelnau), Gnathoxys Westwood (Gnathoxys granularis Westwood), and Cerotalis Castelnau (Cerotalis substriata Castelnau). The four main biogeographical hypotheses proposed to explain Broscini distribution are discussed. Recent discovery of new Neotropical genera, as Nothobroscus Roig-Juñent and Ball and Rawlinsius Davidson and Ball, together with the phylogeny of Broscini, lead to a different biogeographic hypothesis. Broscini can be considered a Pangaeic tribe originating in Lower Jurassic times when there was a land connection between South America and North America on the Pacific margin. In broad terms, the biogeographic pattern of Broscini may be explained by the current hypothesis of the breakup of Pangaea.Fil: Roig, Sergio Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; Argentina. American Museum of Natural History; Estados Unido

A new Argentinian species of Bembidion (Chilioperyphus) (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Bembidiini) with accessory setae

The new species, Bembidion (Chilioperyphus) cuyanus (type locality ARGENTINA, San Luis, Quebrada Lopez, 7 km SE San Francisco) is described, based on external structural features (extra setae in the supraorbital region, pronotum, elytral margin and intervals 3, 5 and 7) and those of the male genitalia (details of the endophallic flagellum). Line drawings illustrate diagnostic features and a key distinguishes among the species of subgenus Chilioperyphus Jeannel. This species lives along the border of rivers and creeks in the arid region of western Argentina.Fil: Roig, Sergio Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Scheibler, Erica Elizabeth. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; Argentin

Geadephaga beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae, Cicindelidae and Trachypachydae) from Argentina, keys for identification and new records

Se provee de una clave actualizada de las tribus y subtribus de Geadephaga presentes en Argentina. En aquellos casos en que las tribus o subtribus se compongan de más de un género citado para Argentina, se proporciona una clave para identificar a cada uno de ellos. Se proveen ilustraciones que facilitan el uso de dichas claves. Basado en la revisión de material depositado en Museos, Instituciones, colecciones privadas, se citan por primera vez para Argentina dos tribus: Licini y Dryptini; dos subtribus: Progaleritina y Nemotarsina, 13 géneros: Ancystroglossus Chaudoir, Crepidozaena Deuve, Dyscollus Dejean, Euphorticus Horn, Eutogenius Solier, Falsodromius Mateu, Nemotarsus LeConte, Neodrypta Basilewsky, Otoglossa Chaudoir, Oxygonia Mannerheim, Pleuracanthus Gray, Pseudobarys Chaudoir, un subgénero: Oxycrepis (Oxycrepis) Reiche y 70 especies: Agra attenuata Klug, A. caligata Liebke, A. cuneolus Erwin, A. gemmata Klug, A. nigroaenea Chaudoir, A. prasina Liebke, Anchonoderus myops Reiche, A. subaeneus Reiche, A. unicolor Chaudoir, Ancystroglossus strangulatus Chaudoir, Athrostictus chlaenoides (Dejean), Blennidius (B.) fontanei (Tschitscherine), Calleida thalassina Dejean, C. levistriata Chaudoir, Calybe leucopa Bates, Cnemalobus germaini Putzeys, Colliuris (Apiodera) funcki (Putzeys), C. (Apiodera) marmorata (Chaudoir), Coptodera dromioides (Bates), C. fulminans (Bates), C. transversa (Reiche), C. undulata Chaudoir, C. versicolor Bates, Crepidozaena gracilis (Chaudoir), Cryptobatis janthoptera Reiche, Dailodontus cayennensis (Dejean); Dercylus (Eudercylus) tenebricosus La Ferté Sénectère, Euphorticus pubescens (Dejean), Eutogenius fuscus Solier, Falsodromius erythropus (Solier), Helluobruchus brevicollis (Dejean), H. luctuosus (Chaudoir), Helluomorphoides io Reichardt, H. oculeus (Bates), H. squiresi (Chaudoir), Incagonum chilense (Dejean), I. cordicolle (Solier), Lachnophorus (Aretaonus) tenuicollis Dejean, Lebia (Lebia) bioculata Boheman, L. (L.) quinquenotata Chaudoir, Mimodromius (Bolivasia) bolivianus Mateu, M. (Mimodromius) chilensis (Solier), M. (M.) chopardi Mateu, Morion boliviensis Allen, M. brasiliensis Dejean, Nemotarsus fallax (Dejean), Nemotarsus interruptus (Chaudoir), N. scutellaris (Chaudoir), Neodrypta costigera (Chaudoir), Odonthocheila cayenensis bipunctata (Fabricius), Otoglossa tuberculosa Chaudoir, Oxycrepis (Loxandrus) minasianus Straneo, O. (Oxycrepis) brasiliensis Tschitschérine, Oxygonia prodiga (Erichson), Pachyteles tuberculatus Perty, Parapionycha lizeri Liebke, Parhypates (Parhypates) bonelli (Waterhouse), P. (P.) rufipalpis (Curtis), Pentagonica picea Chaudoir, P. trivitatta (Dejean), Pericompsus circuliformis (Solier), Pseudaptinus cribatus Liebke, Pseudobarys robusta Chaudoir, Pelecium nicki Straneo, P. purpureum Straneo,Pleuracanthus inca Reichardt,P. tridens Reichardt,Trechisibus cekalovici Jeanne, T. magellanus Jeannel,Zuphioides lizeri (Libke). Se proveen ilustraciones de algunos de los géneros citados por primera vez.A key of tribes and subtribes of Geadephaga present in Argentina is provided. When more than one genus of each tribe or subtribe are present in Argentina a key to identify them is provided. Illustrations are provided to facilitate the use of the keys. Based on the revision of materials of museums, institution and private colections are cited for the first time to Argentina two tribes: Licini and Dryptini; two subtribes: Progaleritina and Nemotarsina, 13 genera: Ancystroglossus Chaudoir, Crepidozaena Deuve, Dyscollus Dejean, Euphorticus Horn, Eutogenius Solier, Falsodromius Mateu, Nemotarsus LeConte, Neodrypta Basilewsky, Otoglossa Chaudoir, Oxygonia Mannerheim, Pleuracanthus Gray, Pseudobarys Chaudoir, one subgenus; Oxycrepis (Oxycrepis) Reiche and 70 species: Agra attenuata Klug, A. caligata Liebke, A. cuneolus Erwin, A. gemmata Klug, A. nigroaenea Chaudoir, A. prasina Liebke, Anchonoderus myops Reiche, A. subaeneus Reiche, A. unicolor Chaudoir, Ancystroglossus strangulatus Chaudoir, Athrostictus chlaenoides (Dejean), Blennidius (Blennidius) fontanei (Tschitscherine), Calleida thalassina Dejean, C. levistriata Chaudoir, Calybe leucopa Bates, Cnemalobus germaini Putzeys, Colliuris (Apiodera) funcki (Putzeys), C. (A.) marmorata (Chaudoir), Coptodera dromioides (Bates), C. fulminans (Bates), C. transversa (Reiche), C. undulata Chaudoir, C. versicolor Bates, Crepidozaena gracilis (Chaudoir), Cryptobatis janthoptera Reiche, Dailodontus cayennensis (Dejean), Dercylus (Eudercylus) tenebricosus La Ferté Sénectère, Euphorticus pubescens (Dejean), Eutogenius fuscus Solier, Falsodromius erythropus (Solier), Helluobruchus brevicollis (Dejean), H. luctuosus (Chaudoir), Helluomorphoides io Reichardt, H. oculeus (Bates), H. squiresi (Chaudoir), Incagonum chilense (Dejean), I. cordicolle (Solier), Lachnophorus (Aretaonus) tenuicollis Dejean, Lebia (Lebia) bioculata Boheman, L. (L.) quinquenotata Chaudoir, Mimodromius (Bolivasia) bolivianus Mateu, M. (Mimodromius) chilensis (Solier), M. (M.) chopardi Mateu, Morion boliviensis Allen; M. brasiliensis Dejean, Nemotarsus fallax (Dejean), N. interruptus (Chaudoir), N. scutellaris (Chaudoir), Neodrypta costigera (Chaudoir), Odonthocheila cayenensis bipunctata (Fabricius), Otoglossa tuberculosa Chaudoir, Oxycrepis (Loxandrus) minasianus Straneo, O. (Oxycrepis) brasiliensis Tschitschérine, Oxygonia prodiga (Erichson), Pachyteles tuberculatus Perty; Parapionycha lizeri Liebke, Parhypates (Parhypates) bonelli (Waterhouse), P. (P.) rufipalpis (Curtis), Pentagonica picea Chaudoir, Pentagonia trivitatta (Dejean), Pericompsus circuliformis (Solier), Pseudaptinus cribatus Liebke, Pseudobarys robusta Chaudoir, Pelecium nicki Straneo, P. purpureum Straneo, Pleuracanthus inca Reichardt, P. tridens Reichardt, Trechisibus cekalovici Jeannel, T. magellanus Jeannel, Zuphioides lizeri (Libke). Ilustrations of some of the genera cited for the first time to Argentina are provided.Fil: Roig, Sergio Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; Argentin

The subgenus Cymindidius Chaudoir, 1876 of Mimodromius Chaudoir, 1873 (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Lebiini), systematic and biogeographic considerations

En esta contribución se establece que los subgéneros Cymindidius Chaudoir, 1876 y Cobosia Mateu, 1955 pertenecientes a Mimodromius Chaudoir, 1873 son sinónimos ya que los caracteres propuestos para definirlos no justifican que sean considerados como entidades distintas. Se designa por primera vez especie tipo para cada uno de estos dos subgéneros y se propone una nueva clave de todos los subgéneros de Mimodromius. y se provee una clave actualizada de todas las especies de Cymindidius y se redescriben todas las conocidas y describe como nueva a Mimodromius (Cymindidius) juanjosei sp. nov. Para cada especie se presentan ilustraciones de sus principales características de la morfología externa, así como de los registros conocidos y nuevos para todas las especies, presentándolos también en mapas. Se realiza un breve análisis biogeográfico generando los trazos individuales de cada subgénero de Mimodromius, reconociéndose dos trazos generalizados, uno en el occidente de los Andes desde Chile Central hasta el Páramo ecuatoriano y un segundo al oriente de los Andes a lo largo de la Argentina llegando hasta la Puna en Bolivia.In this contribution, the subgenera Cymindidius Chaudoir, 1876 and Cobosia Mateu, 1955 that belong to the genus Mimodromius Chaudoir, 1873 are stated as synonymous as the characters proposed to differentiate them are do not define them as different entities. Type species of both subgenera are designated here; a new key of all subgenera of Mimodromius is proposed; an updated key of all species of Cymindidius is provided; a redescription of all known species is presented, and Mimodromius (Cymindidius) juanjosei sp. nov., is described as new. Illustrations of the principal external morphological characters of each species are presented, and a complete list of known localities and maps of distribution for each species are also included. The distribution of the genus Mimodromius is according with the South American Transitional Zone. A brief panbiogeographic analysis constructing the individual tracks of each subgenera was done, revealing the presence of two main generalized tracks -both related with the Andes mountains-: one in the oriental Andes, from Central Chile to the Ecuadorian Páramo, and the other in the occidental Andes, along to the Argentina and reaching the Puna in Bolivia.Fil: Roig, Sergio Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentin

Redefinition of the vittata species group of Epicauta Dejean (1834) (Coleoptera: Meloidae) and taxonomic revision of the species from southern South America

The Epicauta vittata group are commonly known as striped blister beetles and was defined by previous authors to include 32 species, 18 from North America, Central America and northern South America, and 14 from southern South America. In the present revision we revised 22 species from South America, excluding the following southern South American species: E. borgmeieri Denier, 1935; E. floydwerneri Martínez, 1955; E. franciscana Denier, 1935; E. fulginosa (Oliver, 1795); E. purpureiceps (Berg, 1889); E. rutilifrons Borchmann, 1930; and E. zebra (Dohrn, 1876) because they do not have the diagnostic characters of the group. The species of the E. vittata group from southern South America are: E. bosqi Denier, 1935; E. clericalis (Berg, 1881); E. grammica (Fischer, 1827); E. leopardina (Haag-Rutemberg, 1880); E. luteolineata Pic, 1933; E. missionum (Berg, 1881); E. monachica (Berg, 1883); E. rutilifrons Borchmann, 1930; plus two more species E. excavata (Klug, 1825); and E. semivittata (Fairmaire, 1875) until now not included in other groups. We provide a complete diagnosis of the E. vittata group from southern South America, redescribing and illustrating all included species. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of female and male genitalia are presented for the first time for these species. Finally, we provide an identification key for the ten species presently included in the E. vittata group, and update the geographic distribution of each species.Fil: Campos Soldini, Maria Paula. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; ArgentinaFil: Roig, Sergio Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; Argentin

Ecosystem services in vineyards of Mendoza : spider diversity in vineyards with conventional management and importance of neighhbouring seminatural environments

El mantenimiento de la biodiversidad en un agro-ecosistema es necesario para garantizar la provisión de servicios ecosistémicos y es uno de los aspectos recomendados en las prácticas sustentables agrícolas. Una forma de incrementar la biodiversidad es manteniendo parches de vegetación natural que pueden proveer recursos no presentes en el cultivo para artrópodos, entre ellos enemigos naturales de plagas de cultivos, como refugios, sitios para pasar el invierno y alimento. Uno de estos grupos o constituyen las arañas son abundantes en sistemas agrícolas y constituyen un grupo de artrópodos de importancia por presentar depredadores tanto generalistas como específicos que reducen significativamente el número de las plagas. Por otro lado, son buenos indicadores del estado de conservación y biodiversidad de ambientes ya que numerosos estudios han demostrado que las perturbaciones que generan alteraciones en el hábitat producen cambios en la diversidad específica y riqueza de arañas. Hasta el momento, en el país no se han realizado estudios sobre la araneofauna presente en los viñedos ni en las áreas circundantes a los mismos. Es por ello que es imperativo realizar estudios para generar la información necesaria para empezar a utilizar los servicios ecosistémicos que ofrecen las arañas como enemigos naturales de plagas y como bio-indicadores del estado de salud de los ambientes. En este estudio se evaluará el cambio en la diversidad y abundancia de arañas presentes en la vegetación y de otros artrópodos epígeos en tres sitios siguiendo un gradiente de heterogeneidad ambiental desde un sitio con vegetación natural al centro de cultivo. Además, se evaluará si la abundancia y diversidad de arañas dentro del viñedo se beneficia por medio de la presencia de refugios artificiales colocados en los troncos y ramas de las plantas de vid. Los resultados obtenidos brindarán acerca de la distribución espacial y de la abundancia de distintas especies arañas y otros artrópodos en relación con la presencia de áreas de vegetación inculta. Y brindará información de base para identificar especies indicadoras de calidad ambiental, medida en diversidad y riqueza, las cuales serán estudiadas con mayor atención para ver si es posible que constituyan indicadores biológicos. Por otro lado, permitirá evaluar el efecto del manejo de hábitat mediante la presencia de refugios naturales sobre la abundancia y diversidad de arañas de viñedos.The preservation of biodiversity in an agroecosystem is necessary to grant the maintenance of ecosystem services, and it is one of the recommended aspects in sustainable agricultural practices. One way to increase biodiversity in an angroecosystem is to preserve parches of natural vegetation in the vicinity of croplands. These patches can provide resources to natural enemies of crop pests such us retreats or sites where they can find food and protection during the winter, resources that are not present in simplified environments like croplands. Another possible way to increase the abundance and diversity of natural enemies is by providing artificial retreats.Spiders are abundant and important in agricultural systems as they present both general and specialist predators which can significantly reduce crop pest numbers. In addition, they are good indicators of the state of conservation and biodiversity of a habitat as they are sensitive to habitat disturbance responding with changes in richness and species diversity. So far, there are no studies in Argentina on spiders in vineyards or neighbouring areas. Thus, it is important to carry out studies that provide the necessary information that will allow us to use the ecosystem services offered by spiders as natural enemies of pests and as bio-indicators of habitat health. In this study, we will assess the change in diversity and abundance of spiders present in the vegetation and in the soil together with other epigean arthropods of vineyards and neighbouring natural areas in three sites following a gradient of structural heterogeneity from a site with natural vegetation to the center of the vineyard. We will also examine the effect of the presence of artificial retreats located in vine plants on spider abundance and diversity. The results will provide information on the spatial distribution and the presence of different species of spiders and other arthropods associated with vineyards and neighboring patches of natural vegetation. It will also provide background information to identify species that may work as indicators of quality of the environment. The candidate species will be further studied to examine if they can constitute suitable biological indicators. In addition, the study will allow us to assess the effect of the management of the habitat through the provision of artificial retreats on the abundance and diversity of spiders present in the vineyar

Phylogeny of the South American genus Baripus (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Broscini) with the description of new mountain species from the northern Patagonia Biogeographic Province

The genus Baripus Dejean is a carabid beetle endemic to southern South America, inhabiting grassland and shrub habitats in mountain and lowland areas. In this work, the phylogeny of the genus is updated and new species restricted to isolated mountains from the Patagonia Biogeographic Province are described. The cladistic analysis showed that the new mountain species comprise a monophyletic clade with five other species. Within this group, the species are arranged in two internal clades. Each clade contains one or two lowland species with a wide distribution range and the remaining species with microendemic distribution on each mountain system. Their distribution pattern suggests that mountain species of Baripus could have originated since (by) the end of the Cenozoic when the mountains uplifted and acted as a refuge for populations of lowland species that remained isolated and later became differentiated from one another. Based on morphological and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I molecular data, Baripus (Cardiophthalmus) palauco, sp. nov., Baripus (Cardiophthalmus) tromen, sp. nov., Baripus (Cardiophthalmus) aucamahuida, sp. nov. and Baripus (Cardiophthalmus) payun, sp. nov. are described and a key to all currently known species of Baripus (Cardiophthalmus) is provided.Fil: Roig, Sergio Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Cisterna, Gabriela Belen. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Griotti, Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; Argentin

A comprehensive guide to the Argentinian case-bearer beetle fauna (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Camptosomata)

Knowledge of Argentinian Camptosomata has largely remained static for the last 60 years since the last publication by Francisco de Asis Monrós in the 1950’s. One hundred and ninety Camptosomata species (182 Cryptocephalinae and 8 Lamprosomatinae) in 31 genera are recorded herein from Argentina. Illustrated diagnostic keys to the subfamilies, tribes, subtribes and genera of Argentinian Camptosomata, plus species checklists and illustrations for all genera of camptosomatan beetles cited for each political region of Argentina are provided. General notes on the taxonomy and distribution, as well as basic statistics, are also included. This study provides basic information about the Camptosomata fauna in Argentina that will facilitate in the accurate generic-level identification of this group and aid subsequent taxonomic revisions, and phylogenetic, ecological, and biogeographic studies. This information will also facilitate faunistic comparisons between neighboring countries. Two nomenclatural acts are proposed: Temnodachrys (Temnodachrys) argentina (Guérin, 1952), comb. n., and Metallactus bivitticollis (Jacoby, 1907), comb. n. The following are new records for Argentina: Stegnocephala xanthopyga (Suffrian, 1863) and Lamprosoma azureum Germar, 1824. Currently, the most diverse camptosomate tribe in Argentina is Clytrini, with almost twice the number of species of Cryptocephalini. New records for Argentina are predicted.Fil: Agrain, Federico Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Chamorro, María Lourdes. National Museum of Natural History; Estados UnidosFil: Cabrera, Nora Clara. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Entomología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Sassi, Davide. Università degli Studi di Milano; ItaliaFil: Roig, Sergio Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; Argentin

Temporal and altitudinal variations in benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in an Andean river basin of Argentina

Environmental variables and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages were spatially and seasonally examined over two consecutive years (2000-2002) along a glacier and snowmelt river in the central-west of Argentina where lies the highest peak in America, Mount Aconcagua (6956 m elevation). The goal was to assess seasonal and altitudinal variability in benthic community structure and to define whether physical-chemical variables affect distribution of aquatic insects. The Mendoza River Basin was characterised by high variability in flow and transparency, high conductivity, hard calcium sulphate water, neutral and alkaline pH, and dominant substrate composed of small blocks, cobbles, pebbles, and sand-silt. Richness of invertebrates was low, with the lowest taxonomic richness being recorded at the mouth. The dominant group with highest taxonomic richness was Diptera, although caddisflies, mayflies, beetles, and stoneflies were present. Seasonal and spatial variations in biotic and abiotic variables were detected. Maximal densities and taxonomic richness were recorded in autumn and winter. From Modified Morisita?s Cluster analysis it was found that the system is divided into two groupings of sites related to each other by faunal composition. INDVAL revealed species turnover along the altitudinal gradient of some taxa: Andesiops, Massartellopsis, Edwarsina, Chelifera, and Ceratopogonidae had preference for the headwaters (2835-2425 m elevation), Smicridea murina and Baetodes for the lower section (1413-1085 m elevation), and Austrelmis for the middle and lower sections. The middle section (1846-1727 m elevation) was a transition area where taxa from the headwaters and the lower section coexisted. Generalised Linear Models evidenced that altitude was the major factor determining macroinvertebrate assemblages along the large arid Mendoza River and that the physical-chemical variables that most influenced variation in community structure were: transparency, bicarbonate concentration, pH and substrate type. Our results suggest that benthic macroinvertebrate structure and environmental variables are affected in different ways by seasonal and altitudinal variations.Instituto de Limnología "Dr. Raúl A. Ringuelet

Temporal and altitudinal variations in benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in an Andean river basin of Argentina

Environmental variables and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages were spatially and seasonally examined over two consecutive years (2000-2002) along a glacier and snowmelt river in the central-west of Argentina where lies the highest peak in America, Mount Aconcagua (6956 m elevation). The goal was to assess seasonal and altitudinal variability in benthic community structure and to define whether physical-chemical variables affect distribution of aquatic insects. The Mendoza River Basin was characterised by high variability in flow and transparency, high conductivity, hard calcium sulphate water, neutral and alkaline pH, and dominant substrate composed of small blocks, cobbles, pebbles, and sand-silt. Richness of invertebrates was low, with the lowest taxonomic richness being recorded at the mouth. The dominant group with highest taxonomic richness was Diptera, although caddisflies, mayflies, beetles, and stoneflies were present. Seasonal and spatial variations in biotic and abiotic variables were detected. Maximal densities and taxonomic richness were recorded in autumn and winter. From Modified Morisita?s Cluster analysis it was found that the system is divided into two groupings of sites related to each other by faunal composition. INDVAL revealed species turnover along the altitudinal gradient of some taxa: Andesiops, Massartellopsis, Edwarsina, Chelifera, and Ceratopogonidae had preference for the headwaters (2835-2425 m elevation), Smicridea murina and Baetodes for the lower section (1413-1085 m elevation), and Austrelmis for the middle and lower sections. The middle section (1846-1727 m elevation) was a transition area where taxa from the headwaters and the lower section coexisted. Generalised Linear Models evidenced that altitude was the major factor determining macroinvertebrate assemblages along the large arid Mendoza River and that the physical-chemical variables that most influenced variation in community structure were: transparency, bicarbonate concentration, pH and substrate type. Our results suggest that benthic macroinvertebrate structure and environmental variables are affected in different ways by seasonal and altitudinal variations.Instituto de Limnología "Dr. Raúl A. Ringuelet