Chironomidae (Diptera) in water courses of the Puna and Chaco Serrano of Catamarca (Argentina): first records and distribution of genus and species

The distribution in South America (Neotropical Region) of Stictocladius prati Saether & Cranston, Podonomus regalis Brundin, and P setosus Brundin is enlarged as a result of new records from Argentina. Podonomus fast/glans Brundin and Allocladius quadrus Andersen etal. are first recorded from Catamarca. The pupal type of Barbadocladius sp. "Chaco" (near B. andinus Cranston & Krosh) is described. Environmental variables in the sites where the species were collected are incorporated. Punean rivers presented alkaline waters and pH (8.12-8.8), high conductivity and organic matter (OM) content. The Chaco Serrano stream presented slightly alkaline waters, pH (7), low conductivity and OM content. The species Stictocladius prati, Allocladius quadrus, Podonomus fastigians P setosus and P.regalis were present at high altitude rivers, alkaline waters and high conductivity while Barbadocladius sp. "Chaco" was sampled at a low altitude stream, with less alkaline and low conductivity waters.