Morphology lies: a case-in-point with a new non-biting midge species from Oriental China (Diptera, Chironomidae)

By

Song, Chao
Wang, Xinhua
Bu, Wenjun
Qi, Xin

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2020

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

909

Pages

67--77

Subjects

CAD , COI , Kiefferulus , Morphology , PGD , Phylogeny , taxonomy

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.909.39347

 

Abstract

Morphological traits are generally indicative of specific taxa, and particularly function as keys in taxonomy and species delimitation. In this study, a non-biting midge species with anEinfeldia-like superior volsella makes it hard to accurately determined based on its morphological characteristics. Molecular genes of two ribosomal genes and three protein-encoding genes were compiled to construct a related genera phylogeny and to address the taxonomic issues. Phylogenetic inference clearly supports the undetermined species as belonging toKiefferulus. Therefore, a new species classified in the genusKiefferulusis described and figured as an adult male from Oriental China. The species could be easily distinguished from other species in having anEinfeldia-like superior volsella and a triangular tergite IX.