Work

Lagoa Misteriosa, a novel source of beetle diversity: two new species of Brazilian riffle beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera: Elmidae: Elminae) with immatures from a karst sinkhole

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Elmidae comprises the largest aquatic family of Dryopoidea, with 1,650 species recorded worldwide. Brazil has the most diversity with 210 described species. Although this number has increased in recent years, in some Brazilian geographical regions there are knowledge gaps in the distribution of fauna, especially based on immature stages. After a yearlong aquatic insect survey conducted in a karst sinkhole located in Jardim municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, we found an endemic and novel beetle fauna which included new species. Here we present a taxonomic description of two new species of Elmidae, Microcylloepus dimorphus sp. nov. and Hexacylloepus misteriosa sp. nov., based on males, females, and immatures. These new species represent the first Brazilian Elmidae described from a lentic habitat. Also, we provide photographic images of the habitus, SEM images, and illustrations of the diagnostic structures for both species, including their immatures, and habitat notes about Lagoa Misteriosa.

Source: Neotropical Entomology

DOI: 10.1007/s13744-026-01441-3

Authors: Thiago Tadeu Silva Polizei, Éverton G. M. Neves, Sônia A. Casari, Anderson Ferreira

Institutions: Universidade de São Paulo, Vale Technological Institute, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados

Language: English

Topic: Coleoptera Taxonomy and Distribution

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,090

Funders: Instituto Tecnológico Vale, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Universidade de São Paulo, Ministério da Educação