New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research abstracts

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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

I. K. G. Boothroyd

National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Limited
P.O. Box 11 115
Hamilton, New Zealand
email: iboothroyd@kma.co.nz
Present address: Kingett Mitchell Limited, P.O. Box 33 849, Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand.

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 Paratrichocladius 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 stream in the Fiordland area of New Zealand. C. zealandicus and P. pluriserialis are sympatric in a variety of freshwater habitats and P. pluriserialis is often associated with aquatic macrophytes. An identification guide and figures to the known male imagines, pupae, and fourth instar larvae of Cricotopus and Paratrichocladius species in New Zealand is provided.

Keywords   Chironomidae; Orthocladiinae; Cricotopus; Paratrichocladius; taxonomy; New Zealand

M02033 Received 20 May 2002; accepted 4 July 2002; Published 14 November
New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2002, Vol. 36: 775-788
0028-8330/02/3604-0775 $7.00 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2002

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