Panama adds two caddisfly species to its insect count
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Entomologists working in western Panama discovered two caddisfly species, adding to the country’s known insect diversity.
Researchers from the Aquatic Invertebrate Research Group at the Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí and the Museo de Peces de Agua Dulce e Invertebrados identified Protoptila harrisi, a species new to science, and confirmed the presence of Protoptila bribri within Panama.
The work took place in the Bosque Protector Palo Seco, a protected forest in Bocas del Toro Province and the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé, and was supported by funding from Panama’s Ministry of the Environment and the World Bank. The team focused on cataloging caddisflies and stoneflies in the country’s western highlands, aiming to fill gaps in knowledge about Panama’s freshwater invertebrates. Protoptila harrisi was found in the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé, and its identification relied on subtle differences in its male genitalia.
The researchers named the species after Dr. Steven C. Harris, recognizing his contributions to aquatic science and caddisfly classification. The discovery of Protoptila bribri extends the species’ known range from Costa Rica into Panama, highlighting the ecological connection between the mountain systems of both countries. Panama now recognizes 535 caddisfly species across 15 families and 56 genera.
Researchers believe that continued study of Panama’s insect life will reveal even more undiscovered species, particularly as Costa Rica shares 11 of its 17 Protoptila species with Panama.
