Niphargus virei Chevreux, 2001

Published records: L.13—Grotte de Han (Leruth 1934a, 1934b, 1939b, Delhez et al. 1999, Hubart & Dethier 1999, Stoch et al. 2004); L.15—Namur (ZMB Berlin); L.24—Eprave cave (Schellenberg 1933, Leruth 1934b, 1939b, Delhez et al. 1999, Hubart & Dethier 1999); L.26—Rochefort cave (Schellenberg 1933, Leruth 1934b, 1939b, Delhez et al. 1999, Hubart & Dethier 1999); L.83—Collemboles cave (Stoch et al. 2004); L.112—Sainte Anne cave (Leruth 1934a, 1934b, 1939b, Delhez et al. 1999, Hubart & Dethier 1999, ZMB Berlin); L.114— Monceau cave (Leruth et al. 1934b, 1939b, Hubart & Dethier 1999); L.118—Grotte de Méry (ZMB Berlin); L.145—Ans, water-catchment gallery (Leruth 1939b, Hubart & Dethier 1999, ZMB Berlin); L.152—Gravel of Meuse river, phreatic (Leruth 1939b); L.153—Hermalle sous Argenteau, pump well (Hubart & Dethier 1999, ZMB Berlin); L.163—Hotton cave (Delhez et al. 1999, Hubart & Dethier 1999).

New records: L.84—Remouchamps cave (24.03- 10.04.2000, MD & JMH; 12- 26.04.2001, MD & RV; 24.4.2001, MD); L.150—Argenteau, draining gallery (23.10.2003, MD); L.161—Trotti-aux-Fosses cave (29.07- 01.08.1999, LA).

Niphargus virei is the largest species in Belgium. Originally it was described from Jura in France, but later reported also from Belgium (Fig. 5, App. 1) , Luxemburg (Stomp & Biel 2001), Netherlands (Stock 1961; Cuppen, 1978a) and Switzerland (Altermatt et al. 2014). In Belgium, it is distributed along rivers, but known also from many caves. (Fig. 5, App. 1). The species seems to be abundant in running waters and springs.

Molecular analyses suggest that N. virei comprises of between three and seven species (Lefebure et al. 2006; McInnerney et al. 2014). The populations from Belgium are distinct form type populations and further studies should define them as separate species.