Mecoptera (Insecta) from Maranhão state: Identification key for species and description of the female of Bittacus latreillei (Collucci & Amorim)

Abstract

Recent field collections in Maranhão state, Brazil, indicate that the mecopterans seem to be abundant in this state. 55 specimens of four species were studied: Bittacus diversinervis Souza Lopes & Mangabeira, 1942, B. femoralis Klug, 1836, B. latreillei (Collucci & Amorim, 2000) and Issikiella araguaiensis Penny & Arias, 1983. Most of the specimens were collected between October and February, the rainy season in Maranhão. An identification key for these species and the description of the female of B. latreillei are presented.