Integrative taxonomy uncovers a new Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) biting midge species from Thailand

Fully understanding biodiversity often requires an integrated approach especially for small insects because species diagnostic morphological characters are limited. In this study, morphological characters and DNA barcodes were used to examine previously recognized genetically divergent lineages detected in the biting midge, Culicoides arakawae (Arakawa), from Thailand. Morphological examinations revealed that specimens belonging to one lineage are morphologically different from C. arakawae in shape of the paramere in males, and in the leg color pattern of both sexes. Therefore, a formal description is provided for this new species, Culicoides mahasarakhamense sp. nov. Based on morphological characters including a large and shallow palpal pit, one sac like spermatheca and male with parameres bent at base with large basal knob, the new species was assigned into the subgenus Meijerehelea Wirth and Hubert. Morphological differentiation including wing pattern and shape of spermatheca of the new species are discussed and compared with other members of this subgenus. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I sequence analysis indicated that this new species is different from other members of the subgenus Meijerehelea with minimum interspecific genetic divergence of 3.92%. Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery species delimitation analysis also supported the recognition of a new species. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the new species is closely related to C. arakawae, consistent with morphological similarity of these species. Results of this study highlight the necessity of using integrated approach for Culicoides taxonomy.

Automated summary

This study utilized morphological characters and DNA barcodes to investigate a new species of Culicoides from Thailand, resulting in the identification of Culicoides mahasarakhamense sp. nov. The new species was differentiated morphologically and supported by genetic analysis, highlighting the importance of an integrated approach in Culicoides taxonomy.