THE INSECT FAUNA FROM THE TALARA TAR-SEEPS, PERU

Abstract

Preliminary identification of insect fragments obtained by washing the matrix from the Pleistocene tar-seeps of Talara, northwest Peru, shows that the order Coleoptera is represented by the families Hydrophilidae, Dytiscidae, Gyrinidae, Scarabaeidae, Tenebrionidae, Curculionidae, Carabidae, and possibly Haliplidae, Silphidae, Dermestidae, Histeridae, Cicindelidae, and Cerambycidae, The orders Lepidoptera and Orthoptera are represented by the families Sphingidae and Acrididae respectively. The insect fauna exhibits distinct resemblances to that of the Pleistocene tar-seeps of Rancho La Brea, California. Similarity in climatic conditions during the trapping of animals in both tar-seeps is further supported by the possible ecological interpretations based upon the fauna.