Descriptions and Barcoding of Five New Chinese Deuterophlebia Species Revealing This Genus in Both Holarctic and Oriental Realms (Diptera: Deuterophlebiidae)

The monotypic family Deuterophlebiidae of China was recorded twice previously from far northwest upon adults, the most parts of this country have not been investigated, leaving a huge blank of knowledge on their morphology, diversity, biology, or distribution. After deliberated collecting and rearing in recent years, we obtained more than one thousand specimens of Deuterophlebiidae, they are classified into five new species herein: Deuterophlebia sinensis sp. nov., D. yunnanensis sp. nov., D. wuyiensis sp. nov., D. acutirhina sp. nov. and D. alata sp. nov. Detailed descriptions and photographs of gathered life stages are given for these new species. Adults of them can be identified by chaetotaxy and length ratio of flagellomeres and legs, microtrichia on postgena and shape of their clypeus, pupae can be recognized by thoracic spines and abdominal chitin bands, and larvae can be separated by setae on thorax and abdomen. Genetic distances between species are 0.086-0.175 based on their COI genes. This contribution represents the first database of the enigmatic Deuterophlebiidae from China and shows a new distribution pattern of Deuterophlebia. In addition, the discovery throws some light on the origin and biogeography of the genus and family.

Automated summary

The monotypic family Deuterophlebiidae of China has been recorded only twice previously from far northwest based on adults, leaving a significant knowledge gap in their morphology, diversity, biology, and distribution across most parts of the country. Through deliberate collection and rearing in recent years, more than one thousand specimens of Deuterophlebiidae were obtained, resulting in the identification of five new species. Detailed descriptions and photographs of different life stages of these new species are provided. Additionally, genetic distances between species are calculated based on their COI genes. This study represents the first comprehensive database on Deuterophlebiidae from China, shedding light on their distribution pattern and contributing to our understanding of their origin and biogeography.