Megaloptera of Canada.

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Zoology
• Canadian Biodiversity

Background:

• Megaloptera, an order of aquatic insects, includes dobsonflies (Corydalidae) and alderflies (Sialidae).
• Previous faunal surveys provide a baseline for understanding insect distribution and diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated summary of the Megaloptera fauna in Canada.
• To document recent changes in species richness and identify potential future discoveries.

Main Methods:

• Compilation of existing taxonomic records and recent survey data.
• Analysis of species distribution and taxonomic changes over time.

Main Results:

• The Canadian Megaloptera fauna currently comprises 18 species (6 Corydalidae, 12 Sialidae).
• This represents an increase of two species since the last comprehensive summary in 1979.
• Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) are available for ten of the recorded Canadian species.

Conclusions:

• Canadian Megaloptera diversity has shown a modest increase.
• Further species are predicted, highlighting the need for ongoing biodiversity monitoring.
• Genomic resources, such as BINs, are increasingly important for insect identification and conservation.