Systematics of the neotropical caddisfly genus Notidobiella schmid (Trichoptera, Sericostomatidae), with the description of 3 new species

Abstract

Th ree new species of Notidobiella Schmid (Insecta: Trichoptera) are described from South America: Notidobiella amazoniana sp. n. (Brazil), N. brasiliana sp. n. (Brazil), and N. ecuadorensis sp. n. (Ecuador). In addition, the 3 previously described species in the genus, N. chacayana Schmid, N. inermis Flint, and N. parallelipipeda Schmid, all endemic to southern Chile, are redescribed and illustrated, including the females of each species for the fi rst time, and a key to males of the species in the genus is provided. Th e occurrence of Notidobiella in Brazil and Ecuador represents a signifi cant extension of the range of the genus beyond southern Chile where it previously was thought to be endemic. Th e biogeography of Sericostomatidae and other austral South American Trichoptera is reviewed. Th e presence of the family in South America may not be part of a "transantarctic" exchange, but instead may represent an earlier occurrence in the region. Th e distribution of Notidobiella in tropical South America likely represents recent dispersal from southern South America to the north. © R.W. Holzenthal, R.J. Blahnik.