Neblinagena prima Spangler, 1985

Maier, Crystal A., 2013, A revision of the Larainae (Coleoptera, Elmidae) of Venezuela, with description of nine new species, ZooKeys 329, pp. 33-91 : 62-64

Neblinagena prima Spangler, 1985 Figs 5, 58, 59, 60, 61

For complete species description and genitalia illustrations see Spangler 1985.

Material examined.

VENEZUELA: Amazonas State:"VENEZUELA, T.F.Amaz. [Amazonas State]; Cerro de la Neblina; Camp X, 1690m; 0°54'N, 60°2'W; 12 February 1985" "Small sunlit stream; on rock surface in; falls between boulders; W.E. Steiner; collector" (1 paratype USNM). "VENEZUELA, T.F.Amaz. [Amazonas State]; Cerro de la Neblina; Camp XI, 1450m; 0°52'N, 65°58'W; 25-28 February 1985" "From leaf packs in; small rapid stream; P.J. & P.M. Spangler; & R.A. Faitoute; Seine of rapids in; small mountain stream" (1 holotype USNM, 1 paratype USNM). " Venezuela T.F. [Amazonas State]; Amazonas 600m; 18 –24-X-1987” "Talud Cerro; Aracamuni; 1°29'N, 65°38'W " "Ex. Terramar" (1 specimen MIZA).

Diagnosis.

Neblinagena prima can be distinguished from Neblinagena doylei by its range, which does not overlap with the range of the latter. Additionally, the pronotal lateral carinae of Neblinagena prima are obscured anteriorly and the oblique furrows form a 45° angle relative to the median longitudinal furrow (Fig. 61), whereas in Neblinagena doylei the pronotal longitudinal carinae are entire and the oblique furrow of the pronotum forms a 30° angle relative to the median longitudinal furrow (Fig. 57).

Intraspecific variation.

This species varies slightly in size (6.0-6.3mm) and in coloration - from dark brown to black.

Habitat and distribution.

This species appears to be endemic to Cerro de Neblina, and is restricted to the highlands, unlike its congener, Neblinagena doylei , which is widespread in lower areas (<1000m) of Bolivar State, Venezuela (Fig. 5). Neblinagena prima was collected in leaf packs and between boulders in small mountain streams on Cerro de Neblina ( Spangler 1985).

Associated species.

This species is associated with the other, highly unusual, Cerro de Neblina endemic, Hypsilara royi , and was collected in the same habitats.