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Issue: Vol. 1716 No. 1: 29 Feb. 2008
Type: Article
Published: 2008-02-29
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.1716.1.6
Page range: 59–68
Abstract views: 72
PDF downloaded: 1

Chetoneura shennonggongensis, a new species of cave-dwelling Keroplatini from China (Diptera: Keroplatidae), with a discussion of the position of Chetoneura

Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14040–901 Ribeirão Preto SP, BRAZIL
Institute of Insect Resources, Department of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
Institute of Insect Resources, Department of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
Institute of Insect Resources, Department of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
Arthur K. Clarke, Honorary Research Associate, School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Diptera Keroplatidae Keroplatini Chetoneura cave fauna

Abstract

Chetoneura shennonggongensis Amorim & Niu, sp.n., inhabiting caves in East China, is described based on the adult male and female, plus larva. Chetoneura Colless, previously associated with Orfelia and known from a single species from caves in Malaysia, is formally transferred to the Keroplatini. This is the first description of the larva and of the general biology of the genus. The larva of this new species is suspended in a roughly horizontal hammock of silken threads amidst mucous coated snare threads from the roof of caves, but is not bioluminescent as some species of other genera in Keroplatidae (e.g., Arachnocampa, Keroplatus, and Orfelia). A key to separate both species of the genus is provided. The position of the genus within the Keroplatini is considered. Chetoneura is considered to be closely related to a clade containing Heteropterna and Ctenoceridion.

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