Revision of the distribution of Hyalella Smith, 1874 (Crustacea, Amphipoda) in Patagonia and adjacent islands

This study reviews the amphipod species of the genus Hyalella in the inland waters of Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego Island, Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, and adjacent islands (38-54 degrees S). This southern zone has numerous kinds of continental water bodies such as lakes, wetlands, and streams, and the main species in benthic assemblages are amphipods of the genus Hyalella. The literature mentions the presence of H. costera, H. chiloensis, H. falklaidensis, H. franciscae, H. neonoma, H. patagonica, H. rionegrina, and H. simplex. The distribution of these species agrees with biogeographical studies about the presence of widespread, endemic species in southern Patagonia and the sub-Antarctic zone. In spite of the presence of introduced predatory species, the literature indicates that the amphipods are more abundant due to the presence of particulated organic matter