Cricotopus and Paratrichocladius (Chironomidae: Insecta) in New Zealand, with description of C. hollyfordensis n. sp., and redescriptions of adult and immature stages of C. zealandicus and P. pluriserialis

Abstract

Cricotopus van der Wulp and Paratrichocladius Santos Abreu are among the most common genera of Chironomidae found in fresh waters throughout New Zealand. Imago, pupa, and fourth (final) instar larva of Cricotopus hollyfordensis n. sp. are described, and the male imagines, pupae, and larvae of Cricotopus zealandicus Hutton and Para‐trichocladius pluriserialis Freeman are redescribed from new material. C. hollyfordensis n. sp. can be distinguished from other Cricotopus species by antennal ratio and absence of tibial and abdominal markings in the male imago; shape and form of the thoracic horn, distinctive abdominal spinule patterns and lateral setae in the pupa; and mentum and mandible characteristics in the larvae. The combination of tibial and abdominal markings of the male imago; thoracic horn and abdominal spinule patterns of the pupa; and mentum and mandible characteristics of the larva distinguish C. zealandicus from P. pluriserialis and all other New Zealand Cricotopus species. P. pluriserialis is distinguished from Cricotopus species by the presence of normal and erect dorsocentral setae in the adult; smooth thoracic horn and distinctive abdominal spinule patterns of the pupa; mentum and mandible characteristics, supra‐anal setae longer than 2–3 abdominal segment lengths, and abdominal setae simple, never in tufts, in the larva. C. hollyfordensis n. sp. has been recorded from a fast flowing mountain