taxonID	type	description	language	source
98168D26CB69745CFF6168C4FAE2FA62.taxon	description	Adult The subgenus Pseudocricotopus is divided into two informal species groups based on the position of the megaseta on the gonostylus. The C. (P.) montanus group (megaseta located at basal 1 / 3 of gonostylus) includes C. (P.) montanus Tokunaga, 1936, C. (P.) matudigitatus Sasa & Kawai, 1987, and the two new species described herein — C. (P.) motuoensis sp. nov., and C. (P.) neomatudigitatus sp. nov.. The C. (P.) nishikiensis group (megaseta located apically on gonostylus) includes C. (P.) bifurcatus Cranston & Oliver, 1988, C. (P.) nishikiensis Nishida, 1987, and C. (P.) tamadigitatus Sasa, 1981, C. (P.) osarudigitatus Sasa, 1988 (likely a pale form of C. (P.) nishikiensis), and C. (P.) seiryucedeus Sasa, 1999 (potential junior synonym of C. (P.) nishikiensis). Across all members of the subgenus, the following combination of characters is consistent: anal point present; superior volsella well developed; gonostylus with tubular subapical lobes. The status of several Japanese species (C. (P.) osarudigitatus, C. (P.) seiryucedeus) remains provisional pending re-examination of type material. Pupa Frontal setae and cephalic tubercles absent. Thorax with dorsocentral setae. Anal macrosetae three, stout, subequal in length. Thoracic horn flattened, narrow at base, with spinules on distal part; tergite II with a transverse band of recurved spines; pedes spurii B present on segments II – III. Larva Currently, larvae have been described only for Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) tamadigitatus. Although larvae of the subgenus Pseudocricotopus cannot be distinguished from the C. tremulus group, they differ from other subgenera of Cricotopus by pecten epipharyngis consisting of 3 scales; median scale of pecten epipharyngis subequal to or longer than lateral scales, outer margin of mandible without teeth, head capsule usually light yellow brown to light brown; median tooth of mentum at most 2.5 x as wide as first lateral tooth; premandible with 1 apical tooth, having setal tufts on abdominal segments I to VI and a completely smooth outer mandibular margin (Andersen, 2013).	en	Chen, Yi-Zhu, Zhang, Zhi-Chao, Zhang, Yan, Nyima, Tenzin, Lin, Xiao-Long (2026): DNA barcodes reveal cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China. Zootaxa 5828 (3): 481-501, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4
98168D26CB69745CFF6168C4FAE2FA62.taxon	description	Prior to constructing the key, we reevaluated the extent of color variation within the subgenus Pseudocricotopus. The status of some Japanese species (C. (P.) osarudigitatus, C. (P.) seiryucedeus) is provisional and requires reevaluation based on type material. In this key, C. (P.) osarudigitatus is treated as a pale form of C. (P.) nishikiensis and not separated; C. (P.) seiryucedeus is listed as a potential synonym of C. (P.) nishikiensis.	en	Chen, Yi-Zhu, Zhang, Zhi-Chao, Zhang, Yan, Nyima, Tenzin, Lin, Xiao-Long (2026): DNA barcodes reveal cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China. Zootaxa 5828 (3): 481-501, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4
98168D26CB6B745BFF6168F5FDFEF895.taxon	description	LSIDurn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 725 EA 4 E 7 - F 54 D- 4870 - 87 FE-AE 21 D 6890 FD 9 (Figs 2 – 4)	en	Chen, Yi-Zhu, Zhang, Zhi-Chao, Zhang, Yan, Nyima, Tenzin, Lin, Xiao-Long (2026): DNA barcodes reveal cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China. Zootaxa 5828 (3): 481-501, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4
98168D26CB6B745BFF6168F5FDFEF895.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype: male (SHOU & BOLD sample ID: MEDOG 2393), China, Xizang, Linzhi, Motuo, near 107 K, 29.50001 ° N, 95.44812 ° E, 876 m a. s. l., Malaise trap, 29. XI – 5. XII. 2024, leg. Sonam Lodro.	en	Chen, Yi-Zhu, Zhang, Zhi-Chao, Zhang, Yan, Nyima, Tenzin, Lin, Xiao-Long (2026): DNA barcodes reveal cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China. Zootaxa 5828 (3): 481-501, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4
98168D26CB6B745BFF6168F5FDFEF895.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the type locality, Motuo; adjective in nominative case.	en	Chen, Yi-Zhu, Zhang, Zhi-Chao, Zhang, Yan, Nyima, Tenzin, Lin, Xiao-Long (2026): DNA barcodes reveal cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China. Zootaxa 5828 (3): 481-501, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4
98168D26CB6B745BFF6168F5FDFEF895.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnostic characters. The adult male of the new species can be distinguished from known species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) by the following combination of characters: AR 0.87. The 3 rd palpomere with 2 clavata sensilla. Tergites I and II light yellowish brown, remaining tergites predominantly dark brown, with the anterior and posterior margins of tergites III and IV pale yellowish brown. Fore tibia dark brown, with white band at basal 3 / 5, tarsi brown; the midleg and hindleg tibiae are lighter in color at the halfway point. LR 1 0.69. Anal point present, with slightly pointed apex, inferior volsella without microtrichia, with 12 setae on anterior margin and 2 setae at the base; tubular subapical lobes with 2 short setae at apex; megaseta tapered and situated on gonostylus 1 / 3, strong seta adjacent to megaseta. HR 1.57; HV 3.03.	en	Chen, Yi-Zhu, Zhang, Zhi-Chao, Zhang, Yan, Nyima, Tenzin, Lin, Xiao-Long (2026): DNA barcodes reveal cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China. Zootaxa 5828 (3): 481-501, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4
98168D26CB6B745BFF6168F5FDFEF895.taxon	description	Description Adult male (n = 1). Total length 2.91 mm; wing length 2.27 mm; total length / wing length 1.28. Colouration (Figs 2 A, 2 B, 3 A, 3 B, 3 C, 3 D, 3 E, 3 F, 4 A, 4 C). Head nearly wholly dark brown. Wing with dark brown veins, membrane slightly tinged with brown along veins. The femurs are all dark brown, with a white band at basal 3 / 5 th of the foreleg tibia, the midleg and hindleg tibiae are lighter in color at the halfway point, and the tarsi are all dark brown. Thorax with pale brown ground colour. Tergites I and II light yellowish brown, remaining tergites predominantly dark brown, with the anterior and posterior margins of tergites III and IV pale yellowish brown. Tergite IX yellowish. Head (Figs 3 A, 3 B). Antenna with 13 flagellomeres; AR 0.87. Clypeus with 10 setae. Tentorium 166 μm long, 40 μm wide. Palpomere lengths (μm): 42; 50; 126; 126; 226. The 3 rd palpomere with 2 clavata sensillae. Length ratio of palpomeres 5 / 3 1.79. Thorax (Fig. 3 C). Antepronotum with 3 lateral setae. Ac 10; Dc 14; Pa 2; Scts 12. Wing (Fig. 3 D). VR 1.17. Brachiolum with 1 seta. R with 8 setae. Squama with 6 setae, remaining veins bare. Costa extension 66 μm long. Legs (Figs 3 E, 3 F). Spur of front tibia 47 μm long, spurs of middle tibia 55 μm and 33 μm; Lengths and proportions of legs as in Table 2. Abdomen. Number of setae of tergites II – V as in Table 3. Hypopygium (Fig. 4). Tergite IX with 18 setae. Latero sternite IX with 7 setae. Anal point 38 μm long, 7 μm wide at base, with slightly pointed apex. Phallapodeme 85 μm long. Transverse sternapodeme 123 μm long, with a horn-like process. Gonocoxite 151 μm long, with a rounded superior volsella, inferior volsella without microtrichia, with 12 setae on anterior margin and 2 setae at the base. Gonostylus 96 μm long, tubular subapical lobes 51 μm long, with 2 short setae at apex; megaseta tapered and situated on the base of gonostylus 1 / 3, 34 μm long; strong seta adjacent to megaseta, length 37 μm. HR 1.57; HV 3.03. Adult female, pupa and larva. Unknown.	en	Chen, Yi-Zhu, Zhang, Zhi-Chao, Zhang, Yan, Nyima, Tenzin, Lin, Xiao-Long (2026): DNA barcodes reveal cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China. Zootaxa 5828 (3): 481-501, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4
98168D26CB6B745BFF6168F5FDFEF895.taxon	distribution	Distribution. China (Xizang).	en	Chen, Yi-Zhu, Zhang, Zhi-Chao, Zhang, Yan, Nyima, Tenzin, Lin, Xiao-Long (2026): DNA barcodes reveal cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China. Zootaxa 5828 (3): 481-501, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4
98168D26CB6F7450FF616EBDFCB5FE00.taxon	description	LSIDurn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 186 F 7 D 33 - 8592 - 40 C 5 - B 28 C-D 128 B 23 EA 345 (Figs 5 – 11)	en	Chen, Yi-Zhu, Zhang, Zhi-Chao, Zhang, Yan, Nyima, Tenzin, Lin, Xiao-Long (2026): DNA barcodes reveal cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China. Zootaxa 5828 (3): 481-501, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4
98168D26CB6F7450FF616EBDFCB5FE00.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype: male (SHOU & BOLD sample ID: HSB 68), China, Guizhou, Zunyi, Meitan, Heshaba, 27.541 ° N, 107.492 ° E, 754 m a. s. l., Malaise trap, 28. Ⅰ – 3. II. 2021, leg. Hongdie Li. Paratypes: 1 male (SHOU & BOLD sample ID: CBL 58), China, Guangdong, Shaoguan, Shixing, Chebaling National Nature Reserves, 24.722 ° N, 114.256 ° E, 380 m a. s. l., Malaise trap, 10 – 16. Ⅰ. 2021, leg. Lirong Lu; 3 males (SHOU & BOLD sample ID: HSB 1, HSB 2, HSB 3), China, Guizhou, Meitan, Heshaba, 27.541 ° N, 107.492 ° E, 754 m a. s. l., Malaise Trap, 2 – 8. III. 2021, leg. Hongdie Li; 1 male (SHOU & BOLD sample ID: HSB 69), China, Guizhou, Meitan, Heshaba, 27.541 ° N, 107.492 ° E, 754 m a. s. l., Malaise Trap, 28. Ⅰ – 3. II. 2021, leg. Hongdie Li; 1 male (SHOU & BOLD sample ID: LGS 248), China, Guizhou, Meitan, Heshaba, 27.541 ° N, 107.492 ° E, 754 m a. s. l., Malaise Trap, 11 – 17. II. 2021, leg. Haijun Yu; 1 male (NKU: 14164), China, Zhejiang, Tianmushan Science and Technology Museum, Light trap, 12. XI. 1998; 1 male (NKU: 14 B 24) China, Zhejiang, Quzhou, Kaihua, Gutian Mountain, Malaise Trap, 18. IV. 2011, leg. Xiao-Long Lin; 1 male (NKU: 06887), China, Zhejiang, Lishui, Qingyuan, Baishanzu, 1500 m a. s. l., Malaise Trap, XI. 1994; 1 female (SHOU & BOLD sample ID: HSB 46), China, Guizhou, Meitan, Heshaba, 27.541 ° N, 107.492 ° E, 754 m a. s. l., Malaise Trap, 11 – 17. Ⅰ. 2021, leg. Hongdie Li; 1 pupa (SHOU & BOLD sample ID: ZJ 763), China, Zhejiang, Taizhou, Xianju, Shenxianju Scenic Spot, 28.674 ° N, 120.6 ° E, 485 m a. s. l., D-net, 4 – 10. XI. 2019, leg. Xiao-Long Lin.	en	Chen, Yi-Zhu, Zhang, Zhi-Chao, Zhang, Yan, Nyima, Tenzin, Lin, Xiao-Long (2026): DNA barcodes reveal cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China. Zootaxa 5828 (3): 481-501, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4
98168D26CB6F7450FF616EBDFCB5FE00.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet “ neomatudigitatus ” is an adjective derived from the Greek prefix neo, meaning “ new ”, and “ matudigitatus ”, the specific name of a similar species, adjective in nominative case. Diagnostic characters. The adult male of the new species can be distinguished from known species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) by the following combination of characters: AR 1.24 – 1.62. Tergites I and II light yellowish brown, remaining tergites predominantly dark brown, with the anterior and posterior margins of tergites III and IV pale yellowish brown. Fore tibia dark brown, with white band at basal 3 / 5, tarsi brown; the apical of the midleg and hindleg tibiae dark brown, while the rest light yellowish brown; the midleg and hindleg tarsi are light yellowish brown. LR 1 0.70 – 0.74. Anal point present, nearly pointed; gonocoxite with rounded superior volsella, inferior volsella with microtrichia, 6 – 11, 10 setae on anterior margin; tubular subapical lobes with 2 short setae at apex; megaseta tapered and situated on gonostylus 1 / 3, strong seta adjacent to megaseta. HR 1.25 – 1.60. HV 2.89 – 3.86. The following combination of characters distinguishes the adult female of the new species from all known species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus): AR 0.54. The femurs are all dark brown, with white band at basal 3 / 5 of tibia of the foreleg, the midleg and hindleg tibiae are lighter in color at the halfway point, and the tarsi are all dark brown. The pupa of the new species differs from known species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) in the following combination of characters: Cephalic tubercle and frontal setae absent. Tergite II with two regular rows of hooklets; pedes spurii B present only on abdominal segment II. Anal lobe with three equally long anal macrosetae, apex rounded without ridge.	en	Chen, Yi-Zhu, Zhang, Zhi-Chao, Zhang, Yan, Nyima, Tenzin, Lin, Xiao-Long (2026): DNA barcodes reveal cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China. Zootaxa 5828 (3): 481-501, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4
98168D26CB6F7450FF616EBDFCB5FE00.taxon	description	Description. Adult male (n = 10). Total length 2.86 – 3.73, 3.44 mm; wing length 2.02 – 2.74, 2.46 mm; total length / wing length 1.34 – 1.47, 1.40. Colouration (Figs 5 B, 6 A, 6 B, 6 C, 6 D, 6 E, 6 F, 7 A, 7 C). Head nearly wholly dark brown. Wing with dark brown veins, membrane slightly tinged with brown along veins. The femurs are all dark brown, with white band at basal 3 / 5 th of tibia of the foreleg; the apical of the midleg and hindleg tibiae dark brown, while the rest light yellowish brown; the foreleg tarsi brown, the midleg and hindleg tarsi are light yellowish brown. Thorax with pale brown ground colour. Tergites I and II light yellowish brown, remaining tergites predominantly dark brown, with the anterior and posterior margins of tergites III and IV pale yellowish brown. Tergite IX yellowish. Head (Fig. 6 A). Antenna with 13 flagellomeres; AR 1.24 – 1.62, 1.44 (n = 8). Temporal setae 3 – 10, 8 (n = 6). Clypeus with 7 – 18, 13 setae. Tentorium 127 – 203, 162 μm long, 22 – 63, 47 μm wide. Palpomere lengths (μm): 40 – 72, 52 (n = 7); 52 – 74, 65 (n = 7); 114 – 164, 140 (n = 7); 112 – 151, 134 (n = 7); 223 – 251, 239 (n = 5). Length ratio of palpomeres 5 / 3 1.53 – 1.84, 1.66 (n = 5). Thorax (Fig. 6 B). Antepronotum with 3 – 8, 5 lateral setae. Ac 7 – 12, 9; Dc 12 – 31, 20; Pa 1 – 4, 2; Scts 12 – 24, 19. Wing (Fig. 6 C). VR 1.13 – 1.19, 1.16. Brachiolum with 1 seta and 3 sensilla campaniformia. R with 6 – 9, 8 setae. Squama with 7 – 12, 10 setae, other veins bare. Costa extension 42 – 84, 64 μm long. Legs (Figs 6 D, 6 E, 6 F). Spur of front tibia 46 – 72, 56 μm long, spurs of middle tibia 41 – 79, 53 μm and 27 – 68, 42 μm (n = 7), spurs of hind tibia 63 – 79, 70 μm and 33 – 47, 38 μm (n = 8). Comb of hind tibia with 10 – 23, 17 setae. Lengths and proportions of legs as in Table 4. Abdomen. Number of setae of tergites II – V as in Table 5 (n = 6). Hypopygium (Fig. 7). Tergite IX with 14 – 20, 16 setae. Latero sternite IX with 4 – 9, 6 setae. Anal point 29 – 51, 41 μm long, 9 – 15, 12 μm wide at base, with pointed apex. Phallapodeme 107 – 132, 120 μm long. Transverse sternapodeme 139 – 177, 152 μm long, with a horn-like process. Gonocoxite 135 – 165, 150 μm long, with rounded superior volsella, inferior volsella with microtrichia, 6 – 11, 10 setae on anterior margin. Gonostylus 91 – 118, 106 μm long, tubular subapical lobes 45 – 78, 59 μm long, with 2 short setae at apex; megaseta tapered and situated on the base of gonostylus 1 / 3, 32 – 45, 39 μm long; strong seta adjacent to megaseta, 33 – 47, 39 μm long. HR 1.25 – 1.60, 1.42. HV 2.89 – 3.86, 3.28. Adult female (n = 1). Total length 3.28 mm; wing length 2.87 mm; total length / wing length 1.14. Colouration (Figs 5 C, 8 A, 8 B, 8 C, 8 D, 9 A, 9 B, 9 C, 9 D). Head nearly dark brown. Wing with dark brown veins, membrane slightly tinged with brown along veins. The femurs are all dark brown, with white band at basal 3 / 5 of tibia of the foreleg, the midleg and hindleg tibiae are lighter in color at the halfway point, and the tarsi are all dark brown. Thorax with pale brown ground colour. Tergites I and II light yellowish brown, tergites III – IX with horizontal pale bands on the anterior third, remaining tergites brown. Genitalia yellowish. Head (Figs 8 A, 8 B). Antenna (Fig. 8 B) with 5 flagellomeres; AR 0.54. Temporal setae 7. Clypeus with 20 setae. Tentorium 173 μm long, 88 μm wide. Palpomere lengths (μm): 100; 104; 162; 157; -. the fifth palpomere wrinkled. Thorax (Fig. 8 C). Antepronotum with 7 lateral setae. Ac 21; Dc 18; Pa 3; Scts 22. Wing (Fig. 8 D). VR 1.16. R with 18 setae; R 1 with 13 setae; R 4 + 5 with 16 setae; Squama with 10 setae, other veins bare. Costa extension 126 μm long. Legs (Figs 9 A, 9 B, 9 C). Spur of front tibia 53 μm long, spurs of middle tibia 48 μm and 30 μm long; spurs of hind tibia 68 μm and 29 μm long. Comb of hind tibia with 16 setae. Lengths and proportions of legs as in Table 6. Abdomen (Fig. 9 D). Number of setae of tergites II – V as in Table 7. Genitalia (Fig. 10). Gonocoxite IX with 6 setae. Tergite IX with 22 setae. Tergite X with two setigerous protrusions. Gonapophysis VIII divided into a ventrolateral lobe and a dorsomesal lobe of almost equal size. Notum length 214 μm. Seminal capsule elliptical, including neck, 193 μm long and 153 μm wide. Spermathecal duct L-shaped, highly coiled in its middle portion, forming a compact helical structure, length 834 μm. Cercus truncate, with ventral basal corner strongly produced anteriorly, 101 μm long and 73 μm wide, with 32 setae. Pupa (n = 1). Total length 4.29 mm. Colouration. Cephalothorax and abdomen predominantly light yellow. Cephalothorax (Fig. 11 A). Cephalic tubercle and frontal setae absent. Thoracic horn 189 μm long and 22 μm wide (Fig. 11 B). The lengths of 3 precorneals as follows: 81 μm, 60 μm, 78 μm, PC 1 15 μm away from PC 2, and PC 2 7 μm away from PC 3. Thorax smooth, devoid of tubercles. The wing sheath exhibits a beaded texture, lacking any protrusions. Abdomen. Tergites I and II lack shagreen; tergites III to VI with separate shagreen composed of large spines in the middle and posterior parts; tergites VII and VIII lack shagreen; the anal lobe lacks shagreen. Tergite II with two rows of regularly arranged hooklets, totaling 54, occupying 80 % of the segment width (Fig. 11 C). Pedes spurii B appear on abdominal segment II. Tergite I with one lateral seta; tergites II to VI with 3 lateral setae; tergites VII with 2 lateral setae. The anal lobe has 3 anal macrosetae of equal length, 146 μm long and 6 μm wide. The apex of the anal lobe rounded and without a ridge. The genital sheath of the anal lobe 147 μm long, slightly extending beyond the anal lobe (Fig. 11 D). Larva. Unknown.	en	Chen, Yi-Zhu, Zhang, Zhi-Chao, Zhang, Yan, Nyima, Tenzin, Lin, Xiao-Long (2026): DNA barcodes reveal cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China. Zootaxa 5828 (3): 481-501, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4
98168D26CB6F7450FF616EBDFCB5FE00.taxon	distribution	Distribution. China (Guangdong, Guizhou and Zhejiang).	en	Chen, Yi-Zhu, Zhang, Zhi-Chao, Zhang, Yan, Nyima, Tenzin, Lin, Xiao-Long (2026): DNA barcodes reveal cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China. Zootaxa 5828 (3): 481-501, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4
