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The Amazon River Basin's fish diversity is shaped by its dynamic flood-pulse system, critical for hydrological and ecological connectivity. This study examines the Napo Moist Forest (NMF) ecoregion, mapping permanent and seasonally flooded areas from 2018 to 2021 using remote sensing and deep learning models. We aimed to map these areas at a high spatial resolution (10-m pixels) and analyse their role in maintaining lateral connectivity essential for fish diversity. Using synthetic aperture radar data from Sentinel-1 combined with deep learning algorithms, we produced high-accuracy flood maps to assess landscape connectivity between rivers and floodplains. Our methodology included creating a ground truth dataset with the Normalized Difference Water Index and integrating high-resolution optical data for model training, overcoming challenges of cloud coverage and dense vegetation. Our predictive model achieved high accuracy (mean pixel accuracy = 97 %) and consistently predicted 4801 km² of surface water, with only 3 % (130 km²) being seasonally flooded areas over four years. The Caquetá, Bajo Marañón, Napo, and Pastaza watersheds accounted for nearly 60 % of the flooded areas, highlighting their ecological importance. Connectivity analysis in three areas of interest within the NMF ecoregion revealed important seasonal and interannual fluctuations in hydrological connectivity due to changes in flooded patch characteristics. Reductions in the number and flooded patch area during low water seasons increased the distance between patches, leading to a disconnection between flooded areas, channels and rivers. Despite hydrological fluctuations, certain patches maintained consistent flooding, critical for lateral connectivity and sustaining aquatic biodiversity. These seasonally flooded areas act as connectors, influencing patch dynamics and connectivity with tributaries. Seasonal and interannual variations in hydrological connectivity are crucial for sustaining fish diversity. Conserving dynamic floodplains supports migratory fish life cycles and biodiversity. This study underscores the importance of high-resolution temporal and spatial data in conservation planning for aquatic ecosystems.

Abstract: Aim To study the composition and population dynamics of Chironomidae (Diptera) from a high-altitude tropical stream in Ecuador. Methods Samples were taken at Saltana River between April 2009 and November 2010. Physico-chemical parameters, such as flow, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, and temperature, were measured in each sampling campaign. Larvae and pupae sampling was conducted with a Hess sampler in different substrates. During each sampling campaign, adults were sampled using amphibious emergence traps for 24 hours. All materials collected were separated and classified in the laboratory. The biomass was calculated using the individual weight of the larvae of different instars multiplied by the density of each instar at each sample. Results A total of 18 larval taxa were found in 14 different genera in the benthic samples. The subfamily Orthocladiinae showed the highest richness (12 genera), followed by Podonominae, Diamesinae, and Chironominae, with two genera each. The most frequent taxa were Cricotopus sp.3, C. (Oliveiriella) rieradevallae, and Genus 1 sp.a. Total densities fluctuate very much from one month to another following the changes of the most abundant species, and only one species showed a relationship with the substrates. Biomass values are lower from June to August of both years, which matches the high flow season. Conclusions The Saltana River’s cold temperature (6-7 °C) and the flow variability determine the low richness, density and biomass throughout the year. It is unclear if individuals showed very short or long-life cycles due to constant temperature throughout the year. However, there is a clear asynchrony in life cycles due to the presence of emerging adults throughout the year.

Land-use change is a primary driver of biodiversity loss. Tropical ecosystems face rapid conversion rates due to the encroachment of agricultural lands and supply needs for goods and services from an increasing population and changing market demands. Measuring the effect of land conversion on species diversity is challenging due to incomplete and uneven knowledge of different taxonomical groups. Here, we contrast different metrics for measuring biodiversity loss across three land-use typologies: secondary forest, agroforestry, and monoculture for five taxonomic groups: birds, frogs, fish, dung beetles, and macroinvertebrates in the Andean piedmont forests of the western equatorial Andes. Albeit our limited and uneven sample in space and time, we found that rarity, Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling, and Multinomial Classification Model (i.e., classifications of habitat specialists and generalists) constitute a more sensitive set of indicators to assess land-use change impacts on tropical mountain biodiversity compared to classical metrics. Likewise, our results showed that land-use intensification influenced community assemblages in the five taxonomic groups. These non-classical biodiversity metrics can provide better insight into the effect of land conversion on these highly biodiverse ecosystems composed of many rare species.

Summary: Larvae of caddisflies (Trichoptera) produce silk to build various underwater structures allowing them to exploit a wide range of aquatic environments. The silk adheres to various substrates underwater and has high tensile strength, extensibility, and toughness and is of interest as a model for biomimetic adhesives. As a step toward understanding how the properties of underwater silk evolved in Trichoptera, we used genomic data to identify full-length sequences and characterize the primary structure of the major silk protein, h-fibroin, across the order. The h-fibroins have conserved termini and basic motif structure with high variation in repeating modules and variation in the percentage of amino acids, mainly proline. This finding might be linked to differences in mechanical properties related to the different silk usage and sets a starting point for future studies to screen and correlate amino acid motifs and other sequence features with quantifiable silk properties.

A new genus and species of Philopotamidae (Trichoptera), Sumacodella elongata, is described from the southern slope of Volcán Sumaco in Ecuador. This new genus differs from other philopotamid genera by having very elongate, narrow anterolateral apodemes on segment IX and the inferior appendages, a very elongate and narrow tergum X, and a very elongate, tubular phallus. In addition, two new species of Wormaldia are also described and illustrated from Sumaco as well as three new Chimarra (Chimarra), one new Chimarra (Curgia), and one new Chimarra (Otarrha) from the eastern and western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Life history of benthic faunas of tropical high-altitude cold environments are poorly studied. Here, monthly larval and adult data are presented for Anomalocosmoecus illiesi at Saltana Stream in Ecuador. In cold conditions throughout the year (6 °C), this species showed an asynchronous and continuous production. Larval density showed two peaks in August and April. All five larval instars were present in most months. Using the size-frequency method an annual rate of secondary production per biomass of 4.8 was calculated. The measured biomass was 785 mg/m2.

BackgroundDespite worldwide progress in terms of clean water supply, sanitation, and hygiene knowledge, some middle and most of low-income countries are still experiencing many diseases transmitted using unsafe water and the lack of sanitation.MethodsTo understand the impact of all waterborne diseases (WBD) registered in Ecuador. We performed a population-based analysis of all cases and deaths due to WBD in Ecuador based on the national public databases of hospital discharges as a proxy of incidence, in-hospital mortality, and countrywide general mortality rates from 2011 to 2020.ResultsIn Ecuador, mestizos (mixed European and Indigenous American ancestry) had the greatest morbidity rate (141/100,000), followed by indigenous (63/100,000) and self-determined white patients (21/100,000). However, in terms of mortality, indigenous population have the greatest risk and rates, having a 790% additional mortality rate (2.6/100,000) than the reference group (self-determined white populations) at 0.29/100,000. The burden of disease analysis demonstrated that indigenous had the highest burden of disease caused by WBD with 964 YLL per every 100,000 people while mestizos have 360 YYL per 100,000 and self-determined white Ecuadorians have 109 YYL per 100,000.ConclusionsIn Ecuador, waterborne diseases (WBD) are still a major public health problem. We found that indigenous population had higher probability of getting sick and die due to WBD than the rest of the ethnic groups in Ecuador. We also found that younger children and the elderly are more likely to be admitted to the hospital due to a WBD. These epidemiological trends are probably associated with the lower life expectancy found among Indigenous than among the rest of the ethnic groups, who die at least, 39 years earlier than the self-determined white populations, 28 years earlier than Afro-Ecuadorians and 12 years earlier than the mestizos.

Temperatures have increased around the globe, affecting many ecosystems, including high-elevation Andean streams where important aquatic insect species coexist. Depending on the magnitude of change, warming could lead to the mortality of sensitive species, and those tolerant to rising water temperatures may exhibit differences in growth rates and development. Taxon-specific optimal temperature ranges for growth determine how high or low temperatures alter an organism’s body size. In this study, we observed the effects of different climate change scenarios (following three scenarios of the 2021 IPCC predictions) in two aquatic insect species distributed in high-elevation streams in Ecuador: the mayfly Andesiops peruvianus (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) and the caddisfly Anomalocosmoecus illiesi (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae). We assessed how increased water temperatures affect larval growth rates and mortality during a 10-day microcosm experiment. Our results showed that Andesiops peruvianus was more thermally sensitive than Anomalocosmoecus illiesi. Mortality was higher (more than 50% of the individuals) in mayflies than in caddisflies, which presented mortality below 12% at +2.5°C and +5°C. Mortality in mayflies was related to lower dissolved oxygen levels in increased temperature chambers. Higher temperatures affected body size and dry mass with a faster growth rate of Andesiops peruvianus larvae at experimentally higher temperatures, suggesting an important response of this hemimetabolous species to stream temperatures. For Anomalocosmoecus illiesi, we did not find significant changes in mortality, body size or growth rate in response to temperature changes during our experiment. In situ outcomes of species survival and growth in Andean streams are difficult to predict. Nevertheless, our results suggest that at only +2.5°C, a water temperature increase affected the two insect taxa differentially, leading to a drastic outcome for one species’ larvae while selecting for a more tolerant species. Our study suggests that climate change might produce significant mortality and growth rate effects on ectotherm tropical aquatic insects, especially Andean mayflies, which showed higher sensitivity to increased water temperature scenarios.

Temperatures have increased around the globe, affecting many ecosystems, including high-elevation Andean streams where important aquatic insect species coexist. Depending on the magnitude of change, warming could lead to the mortality of sensitive species, and those tolerant to rising water temperatures may exhibit differences in growth rates and development. Taxon-specific optimal temperature ranges for growth determine how high or low temperatures alter an organism's body size. In this study, we observed the effects of different climate change scenarios (following three scenarios of the 2021 IPCC predictions) in two aquatic insect species distributed in high-elevation streams in Ecuador: the mayfly Andesiops peruvianus (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) and the caddisfly Anomalocosmoecus illiesi (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae). We assessed how increased water temperatures affect larval growth rates and mortality during a 10-day microcosm experiment. Our results showed that Andesiops peruvianus was more thermally sensitive than Anomalocosmoecus illiesi. Mortality was higher (more than 50% of the individuals) in mayflies than in caddisflies, which presented mortality below 12% at +2.5°C and +5°C. Mortality in mayflies was related to lower dissolved oxygen levels in increased temperature chambers. Higher temperatures affected body size and dry mass with a faster growth rate of Andesiops peruvianus larvae at experimentally higher temperatures, suggesting an important response of this hemimetabolous species to stream temperatures. For Anomalocosmoecus illiesi, we did not find significant changes in mortality, body size or growth rate in response to temperature changes during our experiment. In situ outcomes of species survival and growth in Andean streams are difficult to predict. Nevertheless, our results suggest that at only +2.5°C, a water temperature increase affected the two insect taxa differentially, leading to a drastic outcome for one species' larvae while selecting for a more tolerant species. Our study suggests that climate change might produce significant mortality and growth rate effects on ectotherm tropical aquatic insects, especially Andean mayflies, which showed higher sensitivity to increased water temperature scenarios.

Aquatic insects in the order Trichoptera are extremely diverse in number of species and their trophic roles. However, their distribution and diversity patterns are poorly known in the Neotropics, including the species restricted to tropical mountain ecosystems. Recent studies in tropical mountains have shown high levels of endemism of aquatic insects and changes in the composition of communities over short distances. Still, the incidence of environmental filters that explain such patterns has not been addressed quantitatively. Given the relevance of understanding Trichoptera spatial diversity patterns to prioritize conservation areas for freshwaters, as well as to obtain baseline information to predict changes in aquatic communities facing global environmental changes, we assessed the species distribution and assemblages of caddisflies along an elevational gradient from 600 to 3,600 m a.s.l. on the equatorial Andes. In this area, we had long-term continuous climate data with hourly resolution. We collected adult caddisflies in seven localities along this gradient using light traps. We sampled each locality for two hours after sunset for three consecutive days. All specimens collected were identified to species or morphospecies. Our results showed an increase in species and genera numbers with decreasing altitude, albeit no significant. Minimum air temperature is the main environmental variable explaining Trichoptera community assemblages. β-diversity (taxon turnover among sites), as opposed to species richness, increased with altitude and showed a bimodal distribution along the elevation gradient for both genera and species assemblages, which resulted in a significant shift in community composition of species and genera at 2,000 m a.s.l. Our null-models confirm the observed patterns of B-diversity are non-random and suggest a strong environmental filtering of tropical caddisflies community assemblies and turnover. Geographic distance coupled with changes in environmental conditions along the elevation gradient explained a high percentage of community variance, as documented for other taxa (e.g., vascular plants), suggesting the importance of securing habitat connectivity along the altitudinal gradient to protect aquatic insect diversity effectively.

Andean streams are becoming increasingly impacted by agricultural activities. However, the potential effects of pesticides on their aquatic biodiversity remain unassessed. In order to address this knowledge gap, we conducted an experiment over 37 days in microcosms to assess the effect of two pesticides commonly used in Ecuador (Engeo and Chlorpyrifos) on the aquatic insect Nectopsyche sp. (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) at 0, 0.10, 5 and 10 μg L−1 concentrations. The highest concentration corresponds to the maximum concentration allowed by the Equatorian legislation. We assessed insect mortality every 24 h, with leaf litter decomposition rates of organic matter determined by deploying Andean alder (Alnus acuminata) dry leaf packs in the microcosms. We found significant mortality of Nectopsyche sp. at high concentrations of Chlorpyrifos, whereas leaf litter was not significantly affected by any of the treatments. We conclude that the environmental legislation of Ecuador might not be fully protecting aquatic biodiversity from pesticide pollution. Further studies are needed, especially when considering that the maximum permitted concentration is very likely exceeded in many areas of the country. We also suggest that the maximum permissible values should be reviewed, considering each pesticide individually.

Se describe la secuencia histórica de la aplicación de organismos acuáticos bioindicadores en la Argentina y sus posibilidades de ser difundidos e incorporados como herramientas de biomonitoreo en la gestión ambiental. En paralelo, se presenta el desarrollo y las etapas acaecidas en Ecuador y en España. Tanto las distintas regiones de la Argentina como los países mencionados siguieron trayectorias semejantes; primero, aplicando índices usados en otros países, y luego adaptándolos a la flora y la fauna locales, o bien reformulándolos para cada uno de los paisajes. Los índices aplicados dependieron de cada ecorregión y del impacto que se pretendía evaluar. En todos los casos, la transferencia a la gestión se realizó de un modo lento y no regular o planificado, excepto cuando existía alguna normativa que obligaba a su aplicación. Se concluye que actualmente en la Argentina existen numerosos grupos con experiencia en el empleo de bioindicadores en ambientes fluviales, pero hay una falencia a nivel de normativas que hace que su incorporación al monitoreo sea lento, optativo y poco comparable entre cuencas. De la experiencia de otros países se desprende que sería necesario aplicar normas específicas. Como no es posible desarrollar un único índice para todo el país, para lograr una evaluación estandarizada se torna indispensable establecer sistemas de intercalibración y comparación entre los distintos índices empleados. En ese sentido, la red REM AQUA podría contribuir a diseñar, realizar y difundir este tipo de comparaciones.

Chironomids show a wide distribution and can occupy several habitats due to their high adaptive capacity in different freshwater environments. The genus Polypedilum is found along a wide elevational and environmental gradient in the neotropics, and its genetic variability could help to elucidate factors determining its distribution and tolerance to the environmental changes of different species or populations. This study examines the genetic variability of Polypedilum in an important biogeographic area that acts as a geographical barrier of biodiversity at the border of the Choco and Tumbes biomes. We identified five Polypedilum morphotypes using classic taxonomic methods. We examined 68 Polypedilum individuals from eight sampling sites in El Oro Province, Ecuador, analyzing the putative molecular species using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) mitochondrial gene fragment. Then, we calculated molecular diversity indices, Haplotype diversity (Hd), and θs and θπ estimators. Seven Polypedilum OTUs were determined from which a high molecular diversity was registered. A CCA was conducted to understand the population composition in relation to environmental characteristics. Results indicated that dissolved oxygen and temperature are the main environmental factors affecting Polypedilum distribution across elevational gradients and between basins.

Four new species of Atanatolica Mosely are described from Ecuador: A. andina sp. n., A. angulata sp. n., A. curvata sp. n., and A. decouxi sp. n. These species belong to the A. dominicana group and constitute new records of the genus from Chimborazo, Imbabura, and Napo Provinces. Additionally, A. andina sp. n. represents the highest elevation recorded for any species in the genus at 3900 m. Size class data are also presented suggesting continuous larval growth for the probable larva of A. decouxi sp. n., described and illustrated here. A new distribution record is provided for A. manabi from Carchi Province.

A new genus and species of Philopotamidae (Philopotaminae), Aymaradella boliviana, is described from the Bolivian Andes of South America. The new genus differs from other Philopotaminae by the loss of 2A vein in the hind wing and, in the male genitalia, the synscleritous tergum and sternum of segment VIII, and the elongate sclerotized dorsal processes of segment VIII. The first record of Hydrobiosella (Philopotaminae) in the New World is also provided with a new species from the Andes of Ecuador, Hydrobiosella andina. In addition, a new species of the Neotropical genus Chimarrhodella (Chimarrinae), Chimarrhodella choco, is described from the Choco-Andean region of Ecuador, and Chimarrhodella peruviana (Ross) is recorded from Ecuador for the first time. Lastly, Wormaldia imbrialis (Philopotaminae), new species, is described, also from the Ecuadorian Choco.

Two new species in the rare, endemic Neotropical caddisfly genus Amphoropsyche Holzenthal, 1985 are described from Ecuador (A. carchi sp. n.) and Peru (A. matsigenka sp. n.) bringing to 17 the number of species known in the genus. Almost all species are known from only a few individuals and from even fewer localities. The new species belong to a group of 10 other species that have tergum X in the male genitalia divided into a mesal process and a pair of lateral processes. Amphoropsyche carchi can be separated from those species by the rounded mesal concavity, the short mesobasal lobe, and the short 2nd article of the inferior appendage, while A. matsigenka can be diagnosed by the very slender and straight inferior appendage, which bears a pair of spine-like mesoventral projections. We also present a new record for Amphoropsyche tandayapa Holzenthal & Rázuri-Gonzales, 2011, from Ecuador, previously known only from the male holotype.

The genus Contulma Flint (Trichoptera: Anomalopsychidae) is composed mostly of regionally endemic species occurring above 2,000 m, with a few more widespread species and some that are found at lower elevations. Adults of three new species of Contulma are described and illustrated from the Andes of Ecuador, Contulma lina, new species, Contulma quito, new species, and Contulma sangay, new species. These species are similar to previously described species from the region, including C. paluguillensis, C. nevada, and C. lancelolata. New provincial records are provided for C. bacula, C. cataracta, and C. echinata. Contulma duffi Oláh, 2016 is considered a junior, subjective synonym of C. penai, Holzenthal & Flint, 1995. Also, we provide an identification key to males of the 30 Contulma species now known.

Two new species of the caddisfly genus Cernotina Ross, 1938 (Polycentropodidae) are described from the lowland Amazon basin of Ecuador, Cernotina tiputini, new species, and Cernotina waorani, new species. These represent the first new species described from this region. We also record from Ecuador for the first time Cernotina hastilis Flint, previously known from Tobago, and present new Ecuadorian locality records for C. cygnea Flint, and C. lobisomem Santos & Nessimian. The homology of the intermediate appendage of the male genitalia of this genus is established. The region surveyed is under severe environmental threat from logging, mining, and crude oil extraction, making the description of the biodiversity of the region imperative.

Score-based biotic indices are widely used to evaluate the water quality of streams and rivers. Few adaptations of these indices have been done for South America because there is a lack of knowledge on macroinvertebrate taxonomy, distribution and tolerance to pollution in the region. Several areas in the Andes are densely populated and there is need for methods to assess the impact of increasing human pressures on aquatic ecosystems. Considering the unique ecological and geographical features of the Andes, macroinvertebrate indices used in other regions must be adapted with caution. Here we present a review of the literature on macroinvertebrate distribution and tolerance to pollution in Andean areas above 2 000masl. Using these data, we propose an Andean Biotic Index (ABI), which is based on the BMWP index. In general, ABI includes fewer macroinvertebrate families than in other regions of the world where the BMWP index has been applied because altitude restricts the distribution of several families. Our review shows that in the high Andes, the tolerance of several macroinvertebrate families to pollution differs from those reported in other areas. We tested the ABI index in two basins in Ecuador and Peru, and compared it to other BMWP adaptations using the reference condition approach. The ABI index is extremely useful for detecting the general impairment of rivers but class quality boundaries should be defined independently for each basin because reference conditions may be different. The ABI is widely used in Ecuador and Peru, with high correlations with land-use pressures in several studies. The ABI index is an integral part of the new multimetric index designed for high Andean streams (IMEERA). Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 2): 249-273. Epub 2014 April 01.

Background Aquatic insects and other freshwater animals are some of the most threatened forms of life on Earth. Caddisflies (Trichoptera) are highly biodiverse in the Neotropics and occupy a wide variety of freshwater habitats. In Andean countries, including Ecuador, knowledge of the aquatic biota is limited, and there is a great need for baseline data on the species found in these countries. Here we present the first list of Trichoptera known from Ecuador, a country that harbors two global biodiversity “hotspots.” Methods We conducted a literature review of species previously reported from Ecuador and supplemented these data with material we collected during five recent field inventories from about 40 localities spanning both hotspots. Using species presence data for each Ecuadorian province, we calculated the CHAO 2 species estimator to obtain the minimum species richness for the country. Results We recorded 310 species, including 48 new records from our own field inventories for the country. CHAO 2 calculations showed that only 54% of the species have been found. Hydroptilidae and Hydropsychidae were the most species rich families. We report the family Xiphocentronidae for the first time from Ecuador as well as several new records of genera from different families. Discussion As in the neighboring Andean countries of Colombia and Peru, it is common to find undescribed species of caddisflies. There are vast areas of Ecuador and the northern Andes that are completely unexplored, and we expect that hundreds of new species are yet to be discovered.

The Jambato Harlequin toad (Atelopus ignescens), a formerly abundant species in the Andes of Ecuador, faced a dramatic population decline in the 1980s, with its last recorded sighting in 1988. The species was considered Extinct by the IUCN until 2016, when a fortuitous discovery of one Jambato by a local boy reignited hope. In this study, we present findings from an investigation conducted in the Angamarca parish, focusing on distribution, abundance, habitat preferences, ecology, disease susceptibility, and dietary habits of the species. In one year we identified 71 individuals at different stages of development in various habitats, with a significant presence in agricultural mosaic areas and locations near water sources used for crop irrigation, demonstrating the persistence of the species in a complex landscape, with considerable human intervention. The dietary analysis based on fecal samples indicated a diverse prey selection, primarily comprising arthropods such as Acari, Coleoptera, and ants. Amphibian declines have been associated with diseases and climate change; notably, our study confirmed the presence of the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), but, surprisingly, none of the infected Jambatos displayed visible signs of illness. When analyzing climatic patterns, we found that there are climatic differences between historical localities and Angamarca; the temporal analysis also exposes a generalized warming trend. Finally, in collaboration with the local community, we developed a series of management recommendations for terrestrial and aquatic environments occupied by the Jambato.

In recent years, the problem of microplastic pollution has begun to receive more attention. Currently, it is known that these particles, less than 5 mm in diameter, can lead to problems for both ecosystems and human health due to the toxicity of their components. In spite of this, research on this topic has focused mainly on the oceans, leaving aside rivers, which are the main source of these pollutants to oceans. Additionally, information is limited to certain rivers in countries of the northern hemisphere where wastewater treatment plants can retain up to 80% of microplastics. In South America, microplastic pollution is practically unknown, and wastewater treatment in several areas is still limited. This study focused on quantifying the microplastics present in the upper basin of the Guayllabamba River, in the Tropical Andes, a biodiversity hotspot. This basin is where the capital city of Ecuador, Quito, is located. Less than 10% of the wastewater in Quito is treated and the rest is dumped to rivers without treatment. We performed a physical analysis of microplastics, by weight and by category of microplastic, in various sampling points before and after urban areas. We found microplastic pollution beginning in the headwaters of the basin, with significant increases in urban areas of the Metropolitan District of Quito. Values of suspended microplastics in rivers after urban areas were higher than those recorded in the literature. Plastic levels in sediment were also higher after urban areas. Microplastics were highly correlated with other water pollutants, showing the prevailing necessity of wastewater treatment plants, because all of this pollution is dumped into rivers that flow from 2800 m a.s.l. to highly diverse freshwater ecosystems and human populations located downstream that depend on these aquatic sources, and finally to the Pacific Ocean.

The male and female of a new species of long-horned caddisfly, Nectopsyche paramo, are described from the high Andes of Ecuador. The new species was found above 4,000 m, representing the highest recorded elevation for a species in the genus. The larval stage of the species is also described. Only a total of 13 larvae were collected during a 17-month sampling program and 11 adults, suggesting that the species is rare. Larvae were found mainly in leaf packs. A male and female were observed in a mating swarm ca. 3 m above a stream during late afternoon. In addition, we redescribe the adult male of Nectopsyche spiloma (Ross), previously known from Ecuador from unsubstantiated literature records.

Throughout the humid tropics, increased land disturbance and concomitant road construction increases erosion and sediment delivery to rivers. Building road networks in developing countries is commonly a priority for international development funding based on anticipated socio-economic benefits. Yet the resulting erosion from roads, which recent studies have shown result in at least ten-fold increases in erosion rates, is not fully accounted for. While effects of road-derived sediment on aquatic ecosystems have been documented in temperate climates, little has been published on the effects of road-induced sediment on aquatic ecosystems in developing countries of the tropics. We studied periphyton biomass and macroinvertebrate communities on the deltas of Río San Juan tributaries, comparing north-bank tributaries draining undisturbed rain forest with south-bank tributaries receiving runoff from a partially-built road experiencing rapid erosion. Periphyton biomass, richness and abundance of macroinvertebrates overall, and richness and abundance of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera were higher on the north-bank tributary deltas than the south-bank tributary deltas. These findings were consistent with prior studies in temperate climates showing detrimental effects of road-derived fine sediment on aquatic organisms. A Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) analysis showed the impacted community on the south-bank deltas was influenced by poorly-sorted substrate with greater proportions of fine sediment and higher water temperatures.