Abstract
Potamobates tumaquensis n. sp. from Colombia is described and its phylogenetic relationships and biogeographical characteristics discussed. An updated identification key to Potamobates species is also provided. The Neotropical water strider genus Potamobates Champion (Gerridae: Cylidrostethinae) includes 17 described species with distributions ranging from Mexico to Peru. Species of Potamobates inhabit the surface film of rivers and streams with low velocity, clear waters, absence of floating vegetation, variable depth, and sandy or rocky substrate, in areas of primary rainforest (personal observations). They are gregarious in open waters or along stream margins, and most species do not occur syntopically with other congeners.
NSTL