FAMILY CERATOPOGONIDAE.

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Zoology
• Biodiversity Studies

Background:

• Ceratopogonidae, commonly known as biting midges, are a diverse family of Diptera.
• Accurate taxonomic and distributional data are crucial for understanding insect biodiversity and managing potential disease vectors.
• Colombia harbors a rich diversity of insect fauna, including numerous Ceratopogonid species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile a comprehensive checklist of Ceratopogonid species recorded in Colombia.
• To provide detailed information for each species, including taxonomic status, type locality, and geographical distribution within Colombia.
• To serve as a foundational resource for future research on Colombian Ceratopogonidae.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of global and regional entomological databases and publications.
• Data extraction and compilation on species occurrence, type information, and distribution.
• Exclusion of specific species (Forcipomyia squamitibia and Bezzia clavipennis) based on taxonomic revisions or lack of confirmed records.

Main Results:

• A total of 235 Ceratopogonid species belonging to 28 genera are listed for Colombia.
• Culicoides (112 species) and Forcipomyia (50 species) are the most speciose genera identified.
• Detailed information on type locality, type category, sex, type material location, species distribution, Colombian localities, and references is provided for most species.

Conclusions:

• This checklist represents the most extensive compilation of Colombian Ceratopogonidae to date.
• The catalog highlights the significant diversity of Culicoides and Forcipomyia in the region.
• The provided data will facilitate further taxonomic, ecological, and epidemiological studies on these insects in Colombia.