Life cycle adaptations of limnephilid caddisflies in temporary aquatic environments of Patagonia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24215/16684869e044Keywords:
Austrocosmoecus, life history, egg masses, Verger, wetlandsAbstract
Three key life cycle adaptations allow Limnephilidae caddisflies to colonize temporary waters: 1) rapid larval development, 2) females with ovarian diapause, and 3) having desiccation-tolerant eggs. This pattern is repeated in different regions of the world and Argentine Patagonia is not an exception. During regular sampling of the macroinvertebrate fauna in wetlands located in the Llao Llao Municipal Park (close to Bariloche city), it was discovered that at least 3 species of limnephilids have the ability to colonize temporary wetlands. These species are Verger vespersus, V. lutzi, and Autrocosmoecus hirsutus. Females lay eggs in gelatinous masses during the summer, in moist soil under leaf litter, herbaceous plants or under logs. The number of eggs per clutch varies greatly and they remain dormant until the wetland fills with water in the autumn. When the larvae hatch, they spend a winter in the water, and in spring development turns fast, so larval development lasts 6 to 8 months. Pupation begin in mid-November and adult emergence occur in December. The life history data of these species are novel since no information was known until now about any of the local species, being necessary more studies about this insect group not only at the taxonomic level but also on fundamental aspects of their biology and ecology.
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