Redescription of the pupa of Mallochohelea termophila (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

Abstract

The pupal exuvia of <i>Mallochohelea termophila</i> (Spinelli) is redescribed, photographed and illustrated mainly based on the type-series. Pupae of the type-series were collected with forceps from a thermal stream and were attached to rocks about 200 m from the spring head. Pupae from Uruguay were collected with a dipper in lotic and lentic environments. They were reared to adults in the laboratory. This is the first detailed pupal description of a species of <i>Mallochohelea</i>, and the first record of this species from Uruguay. Similarities and differences with the pupae of <i>Neobezzia</i> are provided.

Se describe, fotografía e ilustra la exuvia pupal de <i>Mallochohelea termophila</i> (Spinelli), en especial sobre la base de la serie-tipo. Las pupas de la serie-tipo fueron recolectadas mediante pinzas en un arroyo termal, adheridas a rocas, aproximadamente a 200 m del manatial y las pupas de Uruguay mediante el uso de un cucharón tanto en ambientes lóticos como lénticos. Ellas fueron criadas hasta adultos en el laboratorio. Ésta es la primera descripción detallada de una pupa de una especie de <i>Mallochohelea</i> y el primer registro de la especie para Uruguay. Se destacan semejanzas y diferencias con las pupas de <i>Neobezzia</i> .