Genus Rhyacophila F.J. Pictet 1834

Rhyacophila is the only genus of this family found in Algeria. Two species were found and identified, Rhyacophila munda McLachlan 1862 and Rhyacophila urgl Malicky & Lounaci 1987 .

Rhyacophila munda McLachlan 1862

= R. oreina Navás 1936, synonymized by Botosaneanu & Malicky, 1978.

= R. atlantica Navás 1936, synonymized by Botosaneanu & Malicky, 1978.

The larva of this species has been described and diagnosed by Viedma & Garcia de Jalón (1980) and Vieira-Lanero (2000).

Algerian literature records. Tizi Ouzou, Aissi Wadi (Lounaci et al. 2000; Malicky & Lounaci 1987). Djurdjura Mountains (Sekhi et al. 2016). Tlemcen, Tafna Watershed (Bemmoussa & Abdellaoui-Hassaine 2017).

International literature records. MOROCCO (Ajakane 1988; Alaoui 2006; Badri 1985; Bonada et al. 2008; Bouzidi 1989; Dakki 1986; El Agbani 1984; El Bazi et al. 2017; Guellaf et al. 2021; Hajji et al. 2012, 2013; Khadri 2018; Lamri et al. 2016a, 2016b; Mabrouki et al. 2020; Ouahsine 1993; Tayoub 1989; Zerrouk et al. 2021). PORTUGAL (González & Menéndez 2011). SPAIN (Bonada et al. 2004, 2008; González & Menéndez 2011; Martin et al. 2014; Ruiz-Garcia et al. 2006; Ruiz-Garcia & Ferreras-Romero 2008; Vieira-Lanero 2000). TUNISIA (Kraiem 1986; Kumanski 2006; Tobias & Tobias 2008).

Material studied. ALGERIA, Blida, Hammam Melouane, Badour Wadi (S8) (36°28’43”N, 3°04’07”E), 410 m a.s.l.: 29.v.2010, 1 larva; 25.vi.2013, 1 larva; 22.ii.2013, 1 larva (CSK01). Maktaa Lazreg, Boumaane Wadi (S1) (36°27’27”N, 3°00’27”E), 270 m a.s.l.: 07.vi.2013, 1 larva (CSK02). Maktaa Lazreg, El Aach Wadi (S4) (36°28’17”N, 3°00’24”E), 200 m a.s.l.: 07.vi.2013, 8 larvae; 25.vi.2013, 1 larva; 22.iii.2013, 1 larva (CSK03) .

Distribution. Algeria, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and Tunisia.

Comment. We found this West Paleartic species for the first time in the study area. It belongs to the Pararhyacophila Group (Döhler 1950). It was collected in fast-flowing biotopes in the tributaries of the El Harrach Wadi (Fig. 2) between only 200 and 410 m a.s.l.