Synopsis 135
Introduction 136
Material and Methods 138
Acknowledgements 139
Checklist to the Simuliidae of Belize 139
Keys to Simuliidae species of Belize – females, males, pupae 139
Species descriptions, distribution and biology:
Simulium (Hemicnetha) earlei Vargas, Martínez Palacios & Díaz Nájera 141
Simulium (Hemicnetha) mexicanum Bellardi 144
Simulium (Hemicnetha) pulverulentum Knab 146
Simulium (Hemicnetha) virgatum Coquillett (complex) 148
Simulium (Notolepria) gonzalezi Vargas & Díaz Nájera 153
Simulium (Psaroniocompsa) ganalesense Vargas, Martínez Palacios & Díaz Nájera 155
Simulium (Psilopelmia) callidum Dyar & Shannon 158
Simulium (Psilopelmia) haematopotum Malloch 160
Simulium (Psilopelmia) ochraceum Walker (complex) 164
Simulium (Psilopelmia) quadrivittatum Loew 167
Simulium (Psilopelmia) samboni Jennings 169
Simulium (Simulium) metallicum Bellardi (complex) 171
Conclusions 176
References 177
Maps, colour plates and figures 181
Tables 244
Material Examined 247
Index 271
With the increasing migration of people from Guatemala (where foci of human onchocerciasis exist) to Belize the probability of further introductions of individuals infected with this disease has increased. The present paper provides a comprehensive biosystematic revision of the Simuliidae of Belize, a prerequisite to any future surveys on simuliids if onchocerciasis becomes a public health problem. A key to the adults and pupae of the twelve species collected is provided together with full morphological descriptions of these species, discussions on their taxonomy, and summaries of their distribution and biology. Six new synonyms, a neotype and one lectotype are created. The distribution of Simuliidae in Belize in relation to physical factors is reviewed.