A review of eastern Nearctic Zapada (Plecoptera, Nemouridae) with a new species from the Great Smoky Mountains

We describe a new species, Zapada fumosa n. sp., from the southern Appalachian Mountains. In addition, we collected the rare species Zapada chila (Ricker) for the 1st time in 35 y. We reviewed the eastern Nearctic Zapada (Plecoptera, Nemouridae) fauna and give brief, amended descriptions for Z. chila and Z. katahdin Baumann and Mingo. We illustrated males and gills of all 3 eastern Zapada species with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and provide a key to the adult stage. Zapada fumosa n. sp. appears to be closely related to Zapada cinctipes (Banks), a broadly distributed western Nearctic species. Unlike most widely distributed and common western Zapada, eastern Zapada are uncommon or have restricted ranges. Rarity and the potential for impending extinction of Z. chila and Z. fumosa n. sp. are discussed in light of altitudinal range reduction and climate warming issues.