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AnacroIndex: the first step towards interactive identification for Anacroneuria Klapálek, 1909 (Plecoptera: Perlidae)
Rodrigo B Gastaldo1, Lucas Henrique DE Almeida2, Frederico F Salles3
1Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia, Vila Matoso, 256, Santo Antônio, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias
|July 29, 2026
Summary
This study introduces an interactive identification key for Anacroneuria male stoneflies, improving taxonomic and ecological research. The key currently identifies 36 species from Southeastern Brazil, aiding biodiversity studies.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Taxonomy
- Biodiversity research
Background:
- Anacroneuria is the most species-rich genus of Plecoptera, with ~400 Neotropical species.
- Accurate identification is vital but challenging due to poorly described species and high morphological similarity.
- Traditional dichotomous keys can be difficult for Anacroneuria identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop the first step of an interactive, multi-access identification key for male Anacroneuria species.
- To provide a new tool to aid in the identification of Anacroneuria species.
- To facilitate taxonomic, ecological, and biomonitoring research within the genus.
Main Methods:
- Development of an interactive, multi-access identification key using the Xper3 database.
- Inclusion of 36 species of Anacroneuria males found in Southeastern Brazil.
- Utilizing 15 diagnostic characters for species identification.
Main Results:
- The first iteration of the interactive key covers 36 species, representing nearly half of Brazil's Anacroneuria diversity.
- The key demonstrates high taxon coverage and efficiency for the genus.
- The tool is housed in the Xper3 database for interactive identification.
Conclusions:
- This interactive key represents a significant advancement for Anacroneuria taxonomy and identification.
- The developed tool can help overcome challenges posed by traditional keys and poorly described species.
- Future collaborative efforts aim to expand the species coverage of this identification tool.
