An investigation of the blackfly fauna of Andalusia, southern Spain (Diptera: Simuliidae)

Abstract

A detailed account is provided of the blackfly (Simuliidae) fauna of Andalusia, southern Spain. The work is based on a study of 14204 specimens, of which 13733 were collected by the authors from a total of 137 positive sampling sites during prospections made mainly in early summer 1986 and in the spring seasons of 1994—1998. In all, 25 identified species and two possible species of uncertain identity are recorded. The topographical and climatic background is briefy described, data from previous literature and material from earlier collections are covered, a checklist of the blackflies of Spain and Portugal is provided, and the character of the simuliid fauna is discussed for areas within and outside Andalusia.

Keywords:

• Simuliidae Blackflies Palaearctic Spain Andalusia Taxonomy Fauna Records