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Issue: Vol. 1575 No. 1: 5 Sept. 2007
Type: Article
Published: 2007-09-05
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.1575.1.1
Page range: 1–34
Abstract views: 58
PDF downloaded: 5

The Meniscus midges of Costa Rica (Diptera: Dixidae)

Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad, 400 Mts Oeste del Cementerio, A.P. 22-3100 Santo Domingo de Heredia, Costa Rica
Research Associate, Royal British Columbia Museum, American Museum of Natural History, and Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad, 691-8th Ave. SE, Salmon Arm, British Columbia, V1E 2C2, Canada
Diptera Dixidae new species Costa Rica Central America aquatic

Abstract

A revision of the Dixidae of Costa Rica indicates that 10 named species of Dixella are present, eight of which are described as new (described stages indicated): D. fernandezae (%), D. hansoni (%),  D. hernandezi (%), D. jironi (%), D. lobata (%, &), D. maculata (%, &), D. suzukii (%, &), D. woodi (%).  Two named species were previously known from Costa Rica: D. shannoni Lane (%, &) and D. venezuelensis Lane (%, &).  A key to the species of Costa Rica is provided and other similar Neotropical species discussed.  An overview of all Central American species is given.  Five of the 10 Costa Rican species were collected above 1200 meters in elevation, indicating that further collecting, especially at high elevations will reveal further species.  Five additional species from Costa Rica remain unnamed because they are represented only by females.  A total of 15 species of Dixella are therefore present in this country.

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