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Simuliids (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Eastern Andalusia (Spain): Update and New Contributions
David López-Peña1,2, Matúš Kúdela3, Tatiana Kúdelová3
1Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control, Institut Cavanilles de Biodiversitat i Biologia Evolutiva (ICBiBE), Universitat de València (Estudi General), C/Catedrático José Beltrán, 2, 46980 Paterna, Spain.
Insects
|March 28, 2026
Summary
This study updates blackfly (Simuliidae) diversity in Eastern Andalusia, Spain, identifying 28 species and new altitudinal ranges for some. It enhances understanding of blackfly distribution and ecology in mountainous regions.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Ecology
- Entomology
Background:
- Blackflies (family Simuliidae) are important dipteran insects with diverse ecological roles.
- Understanding their distribution and altitudinal ecology is crucial for biodiversity assessments, especially in mountainous regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance knowledge of blackfly diversity and altitudinal distribution in Eastern Andalusia, Spain.
- To provide an updated checklist of Simuliidae species in Almería, Granada, and Jaén provinces.
- To investigate shifts in altitudinal ranges for certain blackfly species.
Main Methods:
- Integration of published data with new field records.
- Morphological identification of 16 blackfly species.
- Analysis of species distribution across different altitudes.
Main Results:
- The regional Simuliidae species count increased from 25 to 28.
- Three species (Simulium brevidens, S. quasidecolletum, S. trifasciatum) are newly recorded in Granada.
- Altitudinal ranges were extended for Simulium equinum, S. lineatum, and S. urbanum.
Conclusions:
- This study provides a comprehensive and updated overview of blackfly species richness and altitudinal ecology in South-eastern Spain.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of insect responses to altitudinal gradients.
- Further research on newly recorded species with narrow ranges is warranted.
