Non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) research in South America: subsidizing biogeographic hypotheses

Abstract

We present data on Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera) collected in South America together with results on the mitochondrial DNA diversity within selected megadiverse genera. This work is part of an ongoing project on the ancient origin of South American biodiversity using non-biting midges. Collections were made at 42 localities, in March 2014 and February 2015, in a diverse array of habitats, including small streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and bays. In total, 3196 representatives of six subfamilies were collected. Sixty-one genera were identified, containing at least 211 species. The subfamilies Chironominae and Orthocladiinae predominated in all samples. Tanypodinae were often present, but rarely in large numbers. Except for Podonomus pepinellii, reported from Brazil, Podonominae were collected in a few localities in Argentina (Arroyo Lopez, and Arroyo Gutierrez and Gutierrez Lake) and Chile (Llanquihue Lake). Prodiamesinae were only recorded in Chile. Analysis of DNA barcode sequences using neighbor-joining estimation supported 66 species within the selected genera. The chironomid fauna of South America includes multiple genera with worldwide distributions, with Australian, Nearctic and Neotropical components.

Freshwater sponge-dwelling Chironomidae (Insecta, Diptera) in northeastern Brazil

“…Sublette (Figures 1i; 1j), which is commonly found in lakes, reservoirs and rivers, mainly in association with aquatic macrophytes (TRIVINHO-STRIXINO, 2014). The taxon was previously recorded for southeastern Brazil by Silva and Farrell (2017). Herein, the species was found interacting with Corvoheteromeyenia australis, Heteromeyenia cristalina and Radiospongilla inesi.…”

“…The numerous species and habitat diversity make taxa of this family valuable indicator species for lentic and lotic aquatic ecosystems, and particularly appropriate for phylogenetic and biogeographical research (SILVA; EKREM, 2016). While recent years have seen increased activity concerning the study of Chironomidae fauna in the Neotropical region (e.g., OLIVEIRA et al, 2013;TRIVIN HO-STRIXINO et al, 2013;PINHO, 2014;SILVA et al, 2014a;2014b;ANDERSEN et al, 2015;SIRI et al, 2015;PARISE;PINHO, 2016;OLIVEIRA, 2016;FARRELL, 2017;FERRINGTON, 2018), what is known about the interactions between some species of Chironomidae and their hosts remains fragmentary (TRIVINHO-STRIXINO et al, 2012).…”

Sub-fossil Chironomidae (Diptera) from lake sediments in Central America: a preliminary inventory

“…In the Everglades, Florida, larvae of M. pahayokeensis Jacobsen and Perry are found in shallow waters subject to fluctuating water levels and seasonal drying (Jacobsen & Perry 2002). In addition to Aedokritus, Megacentron and Riethia, these genera have close relatives recorded from western Pacific/Australasia (Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia), such expanded distribution seems to support Freeman's (1959Freeman's ( , 1961 hypothesis that this tribe is an ancient Southern Hemisphere group (Silva & Farrell 2017).…”

“…The subfamily Chironominae is a dominant group in terms of described species in the tropical and subtropical lowlands, with the immature stages adapted to a wide array of freshwater habitats, in addition to brackish and marine waters (Ashe et al 1987). Larvae of Chironominae exhibit a wide range of food sources, including aquatic plants, dead wood and leaves, organic-enriched sediments, among others (Silva & Farrell 2017). Numerous species, belonging to genera such as Chironomus, Endotribelos, Goeldichironomus and Polypedilum, contain haemoglobin which may contribute to their prevalence in the Neotropical Region, where oxygen concentrations are expected to be low (Silva & Farrell 2017).…”

“…Larvae of Chironominae exhibit a wide range of food sources, including aquatic plants, dead wood and leaves, organic-enriched sediments, among others (Silva & Farrell 2017). Numerous species, belonging to genera such as Chironomus, Endotribelos, Goeldichironomus and Polypedilum, contain haemoglobin which may contribute to their prevalence in the Neotropical Region, where oxygen concentrations are expected to be low (Silva & Farrell 2017). Chironominae is subdivided into three tribes: Chironomini, Pseudochironomini and Tanytarsini.…”