Contributions to the knowledge of the fauna of Caddisflies (Insecta : Trichoptera) from south-east France, with description of new taxa

Abstract

South-eastern France is highly interesting for hydroentomology, in particular for caddisflies. Its lower zones are communication corridors for the fauna of the Apennines on one hand, and for that of the Pyrenees and Cantabric Cordillera on the other hand. At the same time, its high mountain massifs are inhabited by a fauna including endemic elements vicarious with other Alpine massifs, and having sometimes a relict character. The present paper insists on the most interesting discoveries made by studying important collections from springs, streams and mountain rivers in various parts of the zone: taxa new for science (Plectrocnemia geniculata prealpina n. ssp., Hydropsyche subalpina n. sp, Drusus biguttatus teunisseni n. ssp., Alpopsyche n. g.), taxa new for the French fauna (Tinodes antonioi, T. dives consiglioi, Hydropsyche pictetorum, H. tenuis, Ylodes canus), and additional information (morphology, distribution) for a number of species.