Larvae of Epipleoneura manauensis Santos and Roppaneura beckeri Santos with a key to the genera of known Neotropical Protoneuridae larvae (Odonata: Zygoptera)

Abstract

The larva of Epipleoneura manauensis is described and illustrated based on last-stadium larvae and exuviae of reared larvae collected in a black-water stream in Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil. The larva of Roppaneura beckeri is described and illustrated based on exuviae of reared larvae collected from the water accumulated in the axils (phytotelmata) of Eryngium floribundum (Umbelliferae), in Florestal, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The larva of E. manauensis can be distinguished from that of E. metallica, the only other species in the genus Epipleoneura with described larvae, by the presence of four palpal setae (three in E. metallica) and by the transverse dark band on the distal third of the gills (color pattern absent in E. metallica). The larva of R. beckeri can be distinguished from all other described Neotropical Protoneuridae larvae by the presence of eight to nine palpal setae. An illustrated key to the genera of known Neotropical Protoneuridae larvae is provided.

Keywords: aquatic insects, Amazonia, damselfly, Eryngium, phytotelmata, taxonomy

Issue section: Article