Andrew K. Rasmussen & Manuel L. Pescador
Entomology, Center for Water Quality, CESTA
Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida
Aquatic insects are often used as biological indicators for assessing and monitoring the health of freshwater ecosystems. A sound understanding of the taxonomy and geographic distribution of bioindicator species is required for their effective use. Megaloptera and aquatic Neuroptera (Sisyridae) are small yet ecologically diverse groups of aquatic insects found commonly in a wide range of freshwater habitats.
As part of a project to write an identification guide to Megaloptera and aquatic Neuroptera of Florida (Rasmussen & Pescador, 2002), we documented species diversity and geographic distributions. Our species inventory and distributional database was compiled by searching scientific literature, examining museum collections housed at Florida A&M University and the Florida State Collection of Arthropods, and examination of specimens loaned to us from biologists working for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Our survey revealed the presence of 9 species of Megaloptera grouped within 4 genera and 2 families. For the Sisyridae we documented 3 species within 2 genera. Summarized in this presentation is information for each species geographic distribution, habitat associations, and adult seasonality. Within all genera, species diversity and distributions are well known, except within the genus Sialis (Sialidae). Megalopteran and sisyrid species are generally widespread throughout the state with the exception of Nigronia species and some Sialis species, which appear to be restricted to the northern Florida panhandle.
page content updated 24 October 2003