Apedilum
Townes, 1945
Species Guides
1Apedilum is a of non-biting midges in the Chironomidae, restored as a separate genus by Epler (1988) after previously being considered a junior synonym of Paralauterborniella. The genus currently includes three described : A. elachistus, A. griseistriatum, and A. subcinctum. Species are known from Patagonian lakes in southern South America, with subfossil records extending back approximately 2,500 years.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Apedilum: /æpəˈdɪləm/
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Identification
Distinguished from Paralauterborniella by morphological characters established in Epler's 1988 revision. Identification keys for male , pupae, and fourth instar larvae have been published for A. griseistriatum.
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Habitat
Shallow lakes in the Subantarctic forest region of Patagonia. Modern records from lakes in Argentina (Río Negro, Chubut provinces) and Chile (XI Region).
Distribution
Southern South America: Argentina (Río Negro, Chubut provinces including Lago Gutierrez, Lago Correntoso, Lago Nahuel Huapi, Lago Futalaufken, Lago Espejo) and Chile (Laguna Stibnite at 46°S).
Life Cycle
Holometabolous with , larva, pupa, and stages. Fourth instar larvae and pupae have been described for A. griseistriatum based on collected and reared specimens.
Ecological Role
Subfossil larval capsules in lake sediment cores indicate presence in lacustrine for at least 2,000–2,500 years, though insufficient abundance precludes detailed ecological interpretation.
Similar Taxa
- ParalauterborniellaApedilum was previously treated as a junior synonym of this before Epler's 1988 revision restored it as distinct.
More Details
Taxonomic History
The was erected by Townes in 1945 for A. elachistus and A. subcinctum, then synonymized with Paralauterborniella, and finally restored as valid by Epler (1988). A. griseistriatum was transferred from Polypedilum in 2015.