Systematics and Biology of Metriocnemus clarivirgulus sp. n. (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Darjeeling, India with revised keys to male and female adults of Metriocnemus van der Wulp

Abstract

Metriocnemus clarivirgulus sp. n. belonging to the eurynotus (= obscuripes = hygropetricus) species group is described as adult male, female, pupa and larva. A possible placement and inclusion of the new species and Metriocnemus puna Donato and Siri in the key to known males and females of Metriocnemus van der Wulp of Saether is proposed. Validity of previous Indian species is discussed. A brief account of biology with reference to larval dwelling, food and feeding, pupal activities, seasonal emergence, sex ratio, swarming, mating and oviposition of the new species is also described. (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)