Chironomidae of Central America: An Illustrated Introduction To Larval Subfossils

This book provides a comprehensive photographic and morphological guide to Central American Chironomidae, featuring 20 endemic genera and over half of the presented morphotypes being new. It utilizes a paleolimnological approach to convey information about these fascinating insects and their ecological significance, aiding in paleo-worker and taxonomist studies and offering insights into lake development throughout the Neotropical region.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 27 November 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating illustrated introduction to Central American Chironomidae presents an extensive collection of photographs, along with detailed morphological and ecological descriptions of chironomid subfossils discovered in the lake sediments of Central America. What sets this book apart is its unique provision of two identification keys: one for living larvae occurring (or potentially being present) in Central America, and the other for recorded subfossil remains, utilizing limited morphological characters.

Paleolimnological investigations involving chironomid remains have experienced a renewed surge of interest, and this taxonomic guide will undoubtedly facilitate the comprehensive analysis of the diverse and widespread taxa encountered to date in Central America. Among the total of 64 described genera, the book showcases 20 endemic genera, and more than half of the presented morphotypes are entirely new. Each taxon is accompanied by plates that feature generic characters and also provide a key to morphotypes, if present. These plates not only showcase the specific characters of each morphotype but also provide information on their distribution, ecology, and historical significance.

The guide was authored by a (paleo)limnologist and a taxonomist, drawing upon their extensive taxonomical knowledge of the region's recent chironomid fauna. It employs a paleolimnological approach to convey this information to morphotypes, enabling them to be linked with ecology and utilized for reconstructing the past development of nature. Consequently, this book serves as a valuable resource for paleo-workers, taxonomists, students, and researchers alike. It will also hold interest for non-academic professionals engaged in applied research and biomonitoring of lakes. Whether one is studying both recent and subfossil material, particularly in Central America or the broader Neotropi region, this guide will prove to be an invaluable tool.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 155 x 236 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367076061