Description of the larvae of Anabolia lombarda Ris, 1897 and Limnephilus sericeus (Say, 1824), with additional notes on Limnephilus flavospinosus Stein, 1874 (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae)

Abstract

This paper describes the poorly known larvae of Anabolia lombarda Ris, 1897 and Limnephilus sericeus (Say, 1824) and gives some additional data for Limnephilus flavospinosus Stein, 1874. Information on the morphology of the fifth instar larva is given, and the most important diagnostic features are illustrated. In the context of already available keys, the larva of Anabolia lombarda keys together with Anabolia furcata Brauer, 1857. Both species may be separated by gill positions and by distribution patterns. Limnephilus sericeus keys together with Grammotaulius nigropunctatus (Retzius, 1783), Limnephilus ignavus McL., 1865 (fifth instars) and with fourth instars of G. nigropunctatus and Limnephilus binotatus Curtis, 1834. In this case the species can be separated by head width, the number of setae in setal group sa1 at the first abdominal dorsum and sternum, the shape of the anteromedian metanotal sclerites and the presence of a trochanteral brush at mid and hind leg. Finally, L. flavospinosus keys with Limnephilus rhombicus (L., 1758) which may be separated by the number of central intermediate c-setae at the ninth abdominal dorsum. With respect to zoogeography, Anabolia lombarda occurs only on the southern slope of the Alps whereas L. sericeus is widespread in Europe, ranging from the Alps to the Northern Tundra, and including North America. Limnephilus flavospinosus, on the other hand, is a widespread species in Southern and Central Europe but lacking in Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Anabolia lombarda and L. flavospinosus preferably occur in standing water bodies and slowly flowing environments; they are typical inhabitants of the littoral zone of ponds and lakes and slowly-flowing stream reaches. Limnephilus sericeus is a typical tyrphophilous species, preferring small ponds in peat bogs.

Keywords:

• Trichoptera
• Anabolia lombarda
• Limnephilus sericeus
• Limnephilus flavospinosus
• fifth instar larva
• description
• identification
• distribution
• ecology