Studies on the Holarctic subfamily Brachypterainae (Plecoptera: Taeniopterygidae) using the scanning electron microscope to study male terminalia

Abstract

The epiproct complex and other details of the male terminalia of the Holarctic stonefly subfamily Brachypterainae are illustrated by scanning electron microscope micrographs or images. Selected species of eight of the 12 genera, Bolotoperla, Doddsia, Oemopteryx, Strophopteryx, Taenionema, Mesyatsia, Brachyptera, and Rhabdiopteryx are examined. Three images are provided for each species, which usually include a dorsal view of the male terminalia and close up views of the epiproct complex or other genital structures. These genera are organised in a zoogeographical format beginning with the Nearctic fauna and subsequently moving in a westerly direction around the globe, ending with the west Palearctic fauna. Locality data are given for all specimens illustrated.

Keywords:

• Plecoptera
• Taeniopterygidae
• Brachypterainae
• Bolotoperla
• Brachyptera
• Doddsia
• Oemopteryx
• Mesyatsia
• Rhabdiopteryx
• Strophopteryx
• Taenionema
• Holarctic

Acknowledgements

Peter Zwick, Schlitz, Germany is thanked for providing material and assistance with the interpretation of the complex structures of the male genitalia. Bill P. Stark provided specimens and a helpful review of the manuscript. The following individuals provided systematic expertise and/or material for study: Ed Fuller, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Ed DeWalt, Illinois Natural History Survey; Bram Koese, National Natural History Museum. Leiden, Netherlands; David Muranyi, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest; Kenneth Stewart, University of North Texas; Gilles Vinçon, Grenoble, France. Michael Standing, Brigham Young University, Electron Microscope Laboratory, made the SEM micrographs. Randy Baker, graphic artist, Monte L. Bean Museum, constructed the figures plates.