Hydroptilidae (Trichoptera) of Costa Rica and the Neotropics: Systematics of the genus Byrsopteryx Flint (Stactobiini)

Abstract

The systematics of the genus Byrsopteryx are reviewed. Two previously described species, B. miri.fica Flint from Venezuela, the type species of the genus, and B. septempunctata (Flint) from Dominica are redescribed and illustrated. In addition, 11 new species are described and illustrated: B. chaconi, B. cuchilla, B. esparta, B. gomezi, B. solisi, B. tapanti, and B. tica from Costa Rica; B. loja an.d B. rayada from Ecuador; and B. abrelata and B. espinhosa from Brazil. Keys to species for males and females are presented. The genus is transferred from the Leucotrichiini to the Stactobiini. A species level phylogenetic analysis reveals that the Costa Rican species form a monophyletic group.