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Issue: Vol. 5814 No. 3: 22 May 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-05-22
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5814.3.5
Page range: 394-406
Abstract views: 18
PDF downloaded: 0

Two new species of the genus Polypedilum Kieffer (Chironomidae, Diptera) with unique volsella from China

National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries; Science Education; Shanghai Ocean University; Shanghai 201306; China; Shanghai Universities Key Laboratory of Marine Animal Taxonomy and Evolution; Shanghai Ocean University; Shanghai 201306; China
National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries; Science Education; Shanghai Ocean University; Shanghai 201306; China; Shanghai Universities Key Laboratory of Marine Animal Taxonomy and Evolution; Shanghai Ocean University; Shanghai 201306; China
National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries; Science Education; Shanghai Ocean University; Shanghai 201306; China; Shanghai Universities Key Laboratory of Marine Animal Taxonomy and Evolution; Shanghai Ocean University; Shanghai 201306; China
Diptera Chironomidae Polypedilum new species superior volsella China

Abstract

Two new species of the genus Polypedilum Kieffer, 1912, P. arcuatile Zhang sp. nov. and P. protuberans Zhang sp. nov., are described from China based on adult male specimens collected in Yunnan Province. Polypedilum arcuatile sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the pad-shaped superior volsella covered with microtrichia, the convex inner margin of its basal portion bearing six setae, and the presence of a distinct lateral projection extending from the outer margin of the superior volsella. Polypedilum protuberans sp. nov. is characterized by a pad-shaped superior volsella covered with microtrichia, with the inner apical region of the basal portion distinctly protruding and bearing three setae. The morphology of the superior volsella and the subgeneric placement of both new species are discussed. A preliminary checklist of Chinese Polypedilum species is provided, accompanied by illustrations of the two new species.

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How to Cite

Zhang, R.-L., Zhao, Y.-F. & Zhang, Z.-C. (2026) Two new species of the genus Polypedilum Kieffer (Chironomidae, Diptera) with unique volsella from China. Zootaxa, 5814 (3), 394–406. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5814.3.5