Advances in aquatic insect systematics and biodiversity in the Neotropics: introduction

ABSTRACT

The Neotropical Region or Neotropics, contains vast expanses of rain forest and river systems representing some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth, but much of its resident biota remains undescribed and undocumented, and some of it is at risk of extirpation and extinction. Anthropogenic disturbances, especially deforestation, urbanization, and climate change, threaten the integrity of the Neotropics and its biodiversity. In the Neotropics, freshwater habitats are particularly susceptible to environmental stressors and freshwater species throughout the Neotropics have experienced marked declines greater than those of other groups when compared to marine and terrestrial systems. Advances in taxonomic descriptions, preparation of keys, and faunal assessments will aid future studies as well as conservation efforts.

KEYWORDS:

• Neotropical Region
• systematics
• biodiversity
• conservation

Disclosure statement

The views, statements, findings, conclusions, recommendations and data in this paper are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect views and policies of the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service.

Acknowledgements

We thank Taylor & Francis and Aquatic Insects for giving us the opportunity to prepare this special issue. In particular, we thank Alison Paskins, Helena Shaverdo, Praise Ann Catubay, Sara Griffiths and William Padgett for their assistance and patience on this project.