Gerromorpha (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera) from the state of Rio Grande do Norte, northeastern Brazil, including a...

Area of Science:

• Zoology
• Entomology
• Biodiversity Studies

Background:

• The Gerromorpha fauna of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, was previously poorly documented, with only five species recorded.
• Understanding the distribution and diversity of insect species is crucial for ecological assessments and conservation efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an updated and comprehensive list of Gerromorpha species found in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
• To document new species records and provide distributional data for this understudied region.

Main Methods:

• Field collections of Gerromorpha were conducted in Rio Grande do Norte between 2016 and 2023.
• Collected specimens were identified, cataloged, and their distributions mapped.
• Taxonomic revisions, including synonymization and lectotype designation, were performed.

Main Results:

• A total of 27 Gerromorpha species were recorded from Rio Grande do Norte, a substantial increase from the previous five.
• Twenty-three of these species represent new records for the state.
• The study includes illustrations of all collected species and distribution maps, alongside the taxonomic proposal of *Neogerris celeris* as a junior synonym of *N. lotus*.

Conclusions:

• The Gerromorpha biodiversity in Rio Grande do Norte is considerably higher than previously known.
• This research provides essential baseline data for future ecological and conservation studies on semi-aquatic insects in northeastern Brazil.