Generic keys for the identifi cation of larval Dytiscidae from Argentina (Coleoptera: Adephaga)

MICHAT, M.C.; ARCHANGELSKY, M.; BACHMANN, A.O.

REVISTA DE LA SOCIEDAD ENTOMOLóGICA ARGENTINA

SOCIEDAD ENTOMOLÓGICA ARGENTINA

Año: 2008 vol. 67 p. 17 - 36

0373-5680

ABSTRACT. 􀂄 Generic keys for the identifi cation of larvae of Dytiscidae fromArgentina are presented. A total of 27 dytiscid genera are recognized in Argentina,included in 16 tribes and seven subfamilies. Twenty-two of the 27 genera are includedin the keys. The remaining fi ve genera could not be included because their larvaeare unknown (Bidessonotus Régimbart, Brachyvatus Zimmermann, HemibidessusZimmermann, Neobidessus Young) or remain poorly known (Cybister Curtis). Thekeys are presented in English and Spanish. Morphological as well as chaetotaxiccharacters were included, and an emphasis was made to include easily seen andidentifi able characters. However, due to the small size of many dytiscid larvae, someof the characters mentioned in the keys (especially the chaetotaxic ones) are diffi cult tovisualize through the observation with a stereoscopic microscope. Therefore, the useof a compound microscope for the identifi cation is recommended.