TAXONOMIA DE HETEROPTERA: GERROMOPHA: GERRIDAE DO ESTADO DO MARANHÃO, BRASIL

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.6611125260215

• Palavras-chave: Biodiversidade, Semiaquáticos, Taxonomia

• Keywords: Biodiversity, Semi-aquatic, Taxonomy

• Abstract: The infraorder Gerroformopha includes aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms capable of walking on the water surface, found in various ecosystems, from rivers and streams to the open ocean. It is estimated that more than 2,100 species have been described in this infraorder, distributed across eight families, including Gerridae. In Brazil, Gerridae has 98 recorded species in 17 genera. These insects are important environmental indicators. This study aims to identify and describe new species of Gerridae in Maranhão, with specimens sourced from the Zoological Collection of Maranhão and the Aquatic Entomology Laboratory at UEMA. The samples, collected between 2010 and 2023 from various municipalities and conservation areas, were analyzed at LAMCBioS, UEMA campus Bacabal. The individuals, preserved in 80% ethanol, were identified using a stereomicroscope and dichotomous keys. Data were organized in spreadsheets, and distribution maps were generated using QGIS 3.40.0. Six species were classified in municipalities such as Caxias, Matões, Carolina, Presidente Dutra, and Barra do Corda. This study contributes to new records and the knowledge of Maranhão’s aquatic insect fauna, which remains underexplored.