The Trichoptera of Panama. XVI. Evaluation of Trichoptera (Insecta) from Omar Torrijos Herrera General Division National Park

The objective of this study was a preliminary evaluation of the adult Trichoptera (Insecta) fauna of Omar Torrijos Herrera General Division National Park, comparing collection methods and local/regional species affinities. Employing both Malaise traps and UV light traps, adult caddisflies were collected in four streams (two each in the Caribbean and Pacific drainages). In recent publications, 11 new species were described and four first country records published for this study. Seventy-two taxa were identified from all samples, with two species yet to be described. We found multiple collection methods were required to adequately estimate species richness. The Chao2 estimator of potential species richness indicated a minimum of 118 species, and even more species could be expected if prolonged sampling occurred monthly in all park streams. The identification and addition of 15 new taxa to Panama's Trichoptera fauna from such a small area and sampling effort is both remarkable and encouraging.