DNA barcodes and morphology reveal new species within the Rheotanytarsus guineensis species group from China (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Abstract

The Rheotanytarsus guineensis species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) is a species diverse and taxonomically difficult group. Using DNA barcodes, we found five new species within the R. guineensis species group and reviewed the species group based on adult males from China. Rheotanytarsus guoae Lin & Yao sp. n., Rheotanytarsus miaoae Lin & Yao sp. n., Rheotanytarsus qiangi Lin & Yao sp. n., Rheotanytarsus yueqingensis Lin & Yao sp. n., and Rheotanytarsus yui Lin & Yao sp. n. are all described and figured. A key to known adult males of the R. guineensis species group worldwide is provided for the first time.

Diversity, adaptation, and evolution II: Preface

“…The first topic covered in this special issue is the comparative analysis of insect mitogenomes and phylogenetics. Seven papers were published on this subject, including those by Pakrashi et al (2023), Qi et al (2023), Huang et al (2023), Li et al (2023), Guo et al (2023), Li et al (2024b) and Lin et al (2024). Pakrashi et al (2023) specifically focused on the invasive pest species Thrips parvispinus , characterizing its complete mitochondrial genome.…”

“…The phylogenetic results confirmed the monophyly of Cardiophorinae, Agrypninae, and Elaterinae with high support. Li et al (2024b) obtained the mitogenome of Cricotopu ( Pseudocricotopus ) cf. montanus and nine other Cricotopus species for phylogenetic analysis.…”

“…The second topic addressed in this special issue is the integrative taxonomy of insects, as discussed by Yu et al (2023) and Li et al (2023). Yu et al (2023) utilized a combination of cladistics, ABGD, jMOTU, bPTP, and morphologic methods to confirm the existence of nine Ceriagrion species in China.…”

“…Their study also reported two synonyms, one new record, one distribution elimination, and three misidentifications. Li et al (2023) reviewed Rheotanytarsus guineensis species group from China using morphological data and DNA barcodes, detecting five new species.…”