Simulium (Gomphostilbia) merapiense sp. nov. (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Java, Indonesia

Simulium (Gomphostilbia) merapiense sp. nov. is described based on females, males, pupae, and mature larvae from Yagyakarta, Java, Indonesia. This new species is placed in the Simulium epistum species-group, and is characterized by the pupal gill with eight short filaments all arising at the same level from a short stalk, somewhat enlarged basal fenestra, entirely bare pupal head and thoracic integument, and small and short larval postgenal cleft. These characters rarely are found in the subgenus. Taxonomic notes are given to separate this new species from related species of the S. epistum species-group.

Source: Journal of Medical Entomology - January 12, 2016 Category: Biology Authors: Takaoka, H., Sofian-Azirun, M., Yacob, Z., Chen, C. D., Low, V. L., Zaid, A. Tags: Morphology, Systematics, Evolution Source Type: research