The Capnia columbiana complex of North America (Capniidae: Plecoptera)

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Nebeker, Alan V.; Gaufin, Arden R.

Source:

Transactions of the American Entomological Society, The American Entomological Society, Volume 91, Issue 4, p.467-487 (1965)

Call Number:

A65NEB01IDUS

URL:

http://www.jstor.org/stable/25077905

Keywords:

Columbian snowfly, distinctive snowfly, Gunnison snowfly, Labrador snowfly, Logan snowfly, Scappoose snowfly, Sierra snowfly, Tahoe snowfly, Utacapnia columbiana, Utacapnia distincta, Utacapnia imbera, Utacapnia labradora, Utacapnia lemoniana, Utacapnia logana, Utacapnia poda, Utacapnia sierra, Utacapnia tahoensis, Utacapnia trava, Wasatch snowfly, Yellowstone snowfly

Abstract:

The genus Capnia is primarily found in western North America where emergence occurs during the winter and early spring. Several species have restricted ranges and habitat requirements, making them almost unknown to all but those specifically seeking them. Many emerge at high altitudes in the Rocky Mountains in streams which are still isolated by deep snows, making collecting' difficult. The Capnia columbiana complex is found in western and arctic North America where it is represented by C. columbiana Claassen, C. logana n. sp., C. labradora Ricker, C. imbera n. sp., C. lemoniana n. sp., C. trava n. sp., C. sierra n. sp., C. poda n. sp., C. tahoensis n. sp., and C. distincta Frison. This group is readily distinguishable from other capniids by the presence, in the male, of a bipartite supra-anal process, the upper part of which is more or less bifurcate and enlarged at the tip, and by the presence, in the female, of distinctive patterns of the subgenital area. Rapid evolutionary trends are readily apparent in this group and much variation among members has been noted in the past. However, with the exception of the work of Jewett, little study of thy group has been undertaken. Additional material obtained since Jewett's publication, from which new relationships have been recognized, warrants the present study. Additional collections have yielded valuable information concerning distribution, ecology, and taxonomy. Two-hundred and forty vials, representing most collections of this group, were examined during this study.

Notes:

Reference Code: A65NEB01IDUS

Full Citation: Nebeker, A. V., and A. R. Gaufin. 1965. The Capnia columbiana complex of North America (Capniidae: Plecoptera). Transactions of the American Entomological Society 91(4): 467-487.

Location: ANIMAL EF: INSECTS - PLECOPTERA