Short comment on Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera) from Brazil’s Federal District

Abstract

There is much left to learn about the diversity of Chironomidae in Brazil. To help to resolve this problem, a preliminary study of the Chironomidae present in a stream located in center of Brazil was proposed. The aim of this research was to provide a first record of the Chironomidae assemblage at Sarandi stream, in the Brazilian Cerrado. Samples were taken using a handheld D-net from the stream in October 2009. The samples were transported to the laboratory where the material was processed and the Chironomidae specimens were slide mounted, counted and identified to genera. Ninety individuals belonging to 15 genera were found, Chironomini was the richest tribe, with seven genera, while Tanytarsini showed the highest abundance of individuals (55.6%). Overall, Rheotanytarsus (20%), Tanytarsus ortoni-group (16.7%) and Lopescladius (14.4%) were the most abundant genera.

Keywords

• chironomid
• lotic systems
• Rheotanytarsus
• Brazilian Cerrado
• aquatic insects