A Taxonomic List of the Mayflies, Stoneflies and Caddisflies (Insecta: Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) of the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve

Abstract

Three orders of amphibiotic insects were examined from the eastern and western streams of the Sikhote-Alin State Nature Biosphere Reserve, which is located in the southern Russian Far East in the central portion of a mountain range with the same name. Data were obtained on Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera (EPT) fauna inhabiting streams in the Sikhote-Alin State Nature Biosphere Reserve and its adjacent area. The data were collected by the author from 1980 to 2013. More than 30 thousand larvae and adult EPT were identified, and a systematic list of 220 species was formed. Among them, Ephemeroptera is represented by 63 species from 18 genera and 8 families. Plecoptera is represented by 61 species from 30 genera and 8 families. Trichoptera is represented by 96 species from 49 genera and 20 families. The EPT biodiversity study in the local protected areas is important for assessing the ecological preferences of aquatic organisms and understanding the formation of ecosystem structures under normal conditions, i.e., without anthropogenic influence. In addition, the EPT list is of great value, as it is widely used to control the quality of the environment via the EPT indicator index. The comprehensive list of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT complex) taxonomic species of Central Sikhote-Alin streams is submitted for the first time. In addition, a brief areal EPT fauna analysis is made.