Big diversity in a small hotspot: two new species of Leptophlebiidae (Insecta, Ephemeroptera) from New Caledonia

Two new species from Grande Terre Island, New Caledonia, namely Fasciamirus petersorum sp. nov. and Simulacala rara sp. nov. are described based on larval morphology and molecular data (COI sequences). Fasciamirus petersorum sp. nov. is distributed in the southern part of the island and is characterised by a reduced third segment of the labial palps and all abdominal gills divided from the base. The species inhabits slow-flowing aquatic habitats with fine-grained substrate in forest brooks. Simulacala rara sp. nov. is known from a single locality in the northern part of the island and is characterised by narrow and distinctly elongated abdominal gills 1-7. It was collected from fine substrates behind stones in riffles with slightly turbulent flow. Both species were recorded only in areas with ultramafic bedrock.

Automated summary

Two new species from Grande Terre Island, New Caledonia - Fasciamirus petersorum and Simulacala rara - are described based on larval morphology and molecular data. Fasciamirus petersorum is distributed in the southern part of the island and characterized by reduced labial palps and divided abdominal gills. Simulacala rara is known from a single locality in the northern part of the island and characterized by elongated abdominal gills. Both species were found only in areas with ultramafic bedrock.