Diversity and distribution of aquatic beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) in Brazilian caves based on the Zoological Collection of the Laboratório de Estudos Subterrâneos (LES) of the Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar)

Abstract

Water beetles are taxonomically diverse and can colonize different environments. Sixteen families occur in Brazil, most of which have already been recorded in caves. This study presents the diversity and distribution of aquatic coleopterans in Brazilian caves based on the material deposited in the Zoological Collection of the Laboratório de Estudos Subterrâneos (Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Brazil), as well as information about their microhabitats, including cave zones, substrate, and water flow. A total of ten families (Dytiscidae, Gyrinidae, Noteridae, Hydroscaphidae, Elmidae, Dryopidae, Hydraenidae, Hydrophilidae, Psephenidae, and Scirtidae) were identified in 46 caves from 12 karst and three non-karst areas. Only one troglobitic species was recorded, a Hydroscaphidae from Serra da Bodoquena karst area. New distribution records are presented, including genera that were recorded for the first time in Brazilian caves: Rhantus, Megadytes and Laccodytes (Dytiscidae), Hydrocanthus (Noteridae), Huleechius (Elmidae), Helichus (Dryopidae), and Hydrophilus (Hydrophilidae). This study also provides new relevant information on the microhabitats occupied by this fauna in caves, since for most of the taxa little information is available in the literature. The findings highlight the importance of studying material deposited in scientific collections.