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Nectopsyche of Ecuador: A new species from the high Andean páramo and redescription of Nectopsyche spiloma (Ross) (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae)

Abstract:

The male and female of a new species of long-horned caddisfly, Nectopsyche paramo, are described from the high Andes of Ecuador. The new species was found above 4,000 m, representing the highest recorded elevation for a species in the genus. The larval stage of the species is also described. Only a total of 13 larvae were collected during a 17-month sampling program and 11 adults, suggesting that the species is rare. Larvae were found mainly in leaf packs. A male and female were observed in a mating swarm ca. 3 m above a stream during late afternoon. In addition, we redescribe the adult male of Nectopsyche spiloma (Ross), previously known from Ecuador from unsubstantiated literature records.