Myrmeleon shalulianus Zheng & Liu, 2024

Zheng, Yuchen, Li, Xuankun, Yao, Gang & Liu, Xingyue, 2024, Myrmeleon shalulianus sp. nov. (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae), and the first record of Taiwanon bee fly (Diptera: Bombyliidae) on Myrmeleon trigonois in China, Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae (Acta. Ent. Mus. Natl. Pragae) 64 (1), pp. 47-66 : 51-59

publication ID

https://doi.org/ 10.37520/aemnp.2024.005

publication LSID

lsid:zoobank.org:pub:AED32036-DC9D-445E-AA7D-C213DEBC27E8

persistent identifier

https://treatment.plazi.org/id/312887F6-FFCD-FFFC-FF21-96F6FD9D0653

treatment provided by

Felipe

scientific name

Myrmeleon shalulianus Zheng & Liu
status

sp. nov.

Myrmeleon shalulianus Zheng & Liu sp. nov.

Chinese common name: üùfflḃë

( Figs 1A, C View Fig ; 2B–C View Fig ; 3A–B View Fig ; 4 View Fig ; 5 View Fig ; 8A, C, E, G View Fig ; 9A–B, E, G View Fig ; 13 View Fig ; 14 View Fig ) Type material. HOLOTYPE: J (reared to adult, emerged in 13.viii.2023), CHINA: Yunnan, Diqing,Shangri-la, Hutiaoxia Town [ṀDḞẘ], Bendiwan [‡AEĀ], 2200 m, 4.vii.2023,Yuchen Zheng (CAU). PARATYPES: 12 JJ 23 ♀♀ and 32 larvae: 1 ♀ (reared to adult, emerged in 14.viii.2023), same information as holotype (CAU); 4 JJ, CHINA: Yunnan, Diqing, Shangri-la, Hutiaoxia Town, Jiangbian Village [ĭȗ‼], Zanba [ḂḴ], 2000–2100 m, 3.vii.2023, Yuchen Zheng (CAU); 1 J, CHINA: Yunnan, Lijiang, Yulong County [īİǟ], Daju Township [±Ṙḩ], 2100 m, 8.viii.2020, Haolin Gan (CAU); 2 ♀♀, CHINA: Sichuan, Garze, Baiyu County [Gīǟ], Gaiyu Township [dzīḩ], 2759 m, 24.vii.2023, Hao Xun (CAU); 4 JJ 8 ♀♀, CHINA: Sichuan, Garze, Batang County [Ƌ dzǟ], Suwalong Township [n'ěİḩ], Suwalong Village, 2409 m, 1–4.vii.2020, Di Li & Yuezheng Tu (CAU); 2 ♀♀, CHINA: Sichuan, Garze, Batang County, Changbo Township [Ḅâḩ], Ruiwa Village [ēě‼], 2468 m, 6.vii.2019, Di Li (CAU); 3 ♀♀, CHINA: Sichuan, Garze, Batang, 2600 m, 14.viii.1982, Chunlai Niu (original paratypes of Myrmeleon trigonois Bao & Wang, 2006 ) (CAU); 1 J 1 ♀, CHINA: Sichuan, Garze, Batang, 2500–2600 m, 13–14.viii.1982, Shuyong Wang (original paratypes of Myrmeleon trigonois Bao & Wang, 2006 ) (CAU); 2 JJ 5 ♀♀, CHINA: Sichuan, Garze, Derong County [ñṽǟ], Guxue Township [ĦṪḩ], Xiayong Village [TDz‼], 2088 m, 7–9.vii.2020, Yuezheng Tu & Di Li (CAU); 1 ♀, CHINA: Sichuan, Liangshan, Muli

County [†fflǟ], Mairi Township [ẪHḩ], 2662 m, 25.vii.2023, Hao Xun (CAU); Larvae: 2 larvae of 2nd instar and 30 larvae of 3rd instar, same information as holotype (CAU).

Diagnosis. Adult. Gena mostly pale yellow, anteriorly dark brown ( Fig. 4B View Fig ). Pale yellowish part of the lateral margin of pronotum wide. Mesoscutellum laterally with a pair of pale yellowish spots. Hind femur dorsally yellow ( Fig. 4A View Fig ). Tarsomeres generally yellow, and dark brown distally ( Figs 4A View Fig , 8C View Fig ). Wing veins pale yellow, yellowish-brown and dark brown; Sc generally with alternating pale yellow and dark brown in basal half, fully pale yellow in distal half; R fully yellowish-brown; marginal veins dark brown ( Figs 2B–C View Fig , 3A–B View Fig , 4A View Fig , 8A View Fig ). Abdominal terga 3–8 each medially with a slender longitudinal yellowish-brown stripe ( Figs 3A–B View Fig , 4A View Fig , 8E View Fig ). Male anterior gonocoxites 9 slender, forming a V-shaped structure in ventral view, posterior gonocoxites 9 small, coniform; gonocoxites 11 slender round-arched ( Figs 4H–L View Fig , 8G View Fig ).

Larva. Head anteromedially with a pair of large subtriangular dark brown markings in ventral view ( Figs 5B View Fig , 9B View Fig ).

Description. Adult. Size. Head width: 2.64–3.14 mm; forewing length: 27.53–32.16 mm; hindwing length: 26.95–30.76 mm.

Head. Vertex raised, black, anteriorly with brown annular marking, laterally with pair of brown markings. Scape dorsally brown, ventrally black; pedicel and flagellum black ( Fig. 4C View Fig ). Gena wide, mostly pale yellow, anteriorly dark brown ( Fig. 4B View Fig ). Frons mostly black. Clypeus black, margin yellowish-brown ( Fig. 4B View Fig ). Labrum brown. Maxillary palpus generally dark brown. Labial palpus generally pale yellow; basal segment tiny, second segment nearly as long as distal segment; distal segment fusiform, mostly dark brown, basally pale yellow. Mandibles yellowish-brown with distal half dark reddish-brown.

Thorax dark brown, yellowish-brown and pale yellow. Pronotum dark brown with pale yellowish markings, nearly broader than long, covered with many pale setae and a few dark setae; anteriorly with pair of pale yellowish spots; medially with longitudinal pale yellowish stripe; lateral margin pale yellow; pale yellow part of lateral margin wide. Mesoprescutum dark brown, with pair of brown markings; mesonotum dark brown, medially brown, mediolaterally with pair of longitudinal brown stripes, lateral margin with pair of brown spots; mesoscutellum dark brown, laterally with pair of pale yellowish spots, medially with longitudinal pale yellowish stripe, posterior margin pale yellow. Metanotum dark brown, with pair of reddish-brown markings; metascutellum dark brown, posteriorly with trident-shaped pale yellowish marking. Meso- and metapleura generally dark brown ( Fig. 4C View Fig ).

Legs yellow with dark brown markings, with some dark setae.All femora and tibiae ventrally with dark brown stripe; tibial spurs brown, spinous, shorter than tarsomere 1; tarsomeres generally yellow, dark brown distally; pretarsal claws slightly curved, barely protruded basally ( Fig. 8C View Fig ). Fore coxa yellow with some dark markings; middle and hind coxae generally dark brown.

Wings narrow, unmarked. Veins pale yellow, yellowish- -brown and dark brown. Pterostigma pale. Sc generally with alternating pale yellow and dark brown in basal half, fully pale yellow in distal half; R fully yellowish-brown; marginal veins dark brown ( Fig. 8A View Fig ). Forewing CuA with alternating pale yellow and dark brown spots before forked; RP originating distad of MP and CuA fork; 9–11 presectoral crossveins present; RP with 9–10 branches; anterior Banksian line absent, posterior Banksian line present. Hindwing CuA generally pale yellow; five presectoral crossveins present; Banksian line absent ( Figs 2B–C View Fig ; 3A–B View Fig ; 4A View Fig ).

Abdomen dark brown with yellowish-brown markings. Terga 3–8 each medially with slender longitudinal yellowish-brown stripe ( Figs 3A–B View Fig , 4A View Fig , 8E View Fig ).

Male genitalia. Tergum 9 broad, nearly as long as wide in lateral view, anterior 2/3 dark brown, posterior 1/3 yellowish-brown. Sternum 9 dark brown, narrowly scallop-shaped, with long dark setae ( Figs 3D–E View Fig ). Anterior gonocoxites 9 slender, forming V-shaped structure in ventral view, wide in lateral view; posterior gonocoxites 9 small, coniform. Gonocoxites 11 slender round-arched; gonostyli 11 slightly protruding; gonapophyses 11 strongly sclerotized, subtriangular in lateral view ( Figs 4H–L View Fig , 8G View Fig ). Ectoproct modified, posteroventrally forming hook-like projection, with many long setae ( Figs 4D–E View Fig ).

Female genitalia. Pregenital plate tiny, coniform.Anterior branches of gonocoxites 8 tubercular, with some stout spiculate short setae; posterior branches of gonocoxites 8 slender digitiform, distally with some stout setae. Gonocoxites 9 basally with dense short stout setae, distally with some stout and blunt setae. Ectoproct rounded on distal margin, posteroventrally with some stout and blunt setae ( Figs 4F–G View Fig ).

3rd instar larva. Size. Body length (excluding mandible): 5.37–7.96 mm; head length: 1.68–2.94 mm; head width 1.21–2.02 mm; mandible length: 1.73–3.12 mm.

Head nearly trapezoidal in dorsal view, longer than wide, basally narrower. Clypeo-labrum generally dark brown in dorsal view, with row of setae. Head pale yellow; in dorsal view, anteromedially with pair of close black spots, medially with pair of lung-form dark brown markings, laterally with pair of dark brown markings; in ventral view, anteromedially with pair of large subtriangular dark brown markings, mediolaterally with pair of dark brown spots. Mandible as long as head, mostly pale yellow, distally reddish-brown, equipped with three pairs of teeth, basally pale yellow, distally reddish-brown and gradually darkened on tip. Second tooth nearly longer than first tooth, third tooth nearly longer than second tooth. Six to seven interdental mandibular setae present anterior to first tooth; two to three interdental mandibular setae between first and second tooth; two interdental mandibular setae between second and third tooth; one to two interdental mandibular setae distad of third tooth. External margin of mandible with three groups of long, relatively short, and tiny setae, respectively ( Figs 5A–C View Fig , 9A–B View Fig ).

Thorax. Pronotum pale yellow, with pair of longitudinal wide dark brown stripes; lateral margin with many long setae and dorsally with some tiny setae; ventral prothorax with pair of dark brown markings. Mesothorax dorsally with spiracles present on reduced brown sclerotized tubercle; meso- and metathorax dorsally with many dark brown spots and dots; meso- and metathoracic setiferous processes reduced, with dense long setae; mesothorax ventrally with pair of dark brown markings and metathorax ventrally with two pairs of dark brown markings ( Figs 5A–C View Fig , 9E View Fig ).

Legs pale yellow. All legs coxa basally with dark brown marking, covered with some long and short setae; femur and tibia with a few long setae and many short setae. Middle femur 1.5× as long as fore femur ( Figs 5A–C View Fig ).

Abdomen pale yellow, with many dark brown markings. Dorsal segments 1–8 each medially with longitudinal dark brown marking and laterally with two pairs of abreast dark brown markings, suffused with many dark brown dots ( Fig. 5A View Fig ). Ventral segments 1–8 each medially with dark brown dot and pair of dark brown markings ( Fig. 5B View Fig ). Segment 8 odontoid processes pale brown, tiny. Segment 9 nearly half as long as wide, posteriorly with four digging setae forming transversal row; sometimes one or two sclerotized setae present anterior to the transversal row of digging setae; rastra reduced, each rastrum equipped with four digging setae of which external one nearly twice as long as internal setae ( Fig. 9G View Fig ).

Etymology. This new species is named after the mountain range it inhabits, i.e., the Shaluli mountain range; adjective.

Bio-ecology. Like other Myrmeleon larvae, the larvae of this new species make pit-shaped traps to ambush prey ( Fig. 1C View Fig ) but they are restricted to the mid-elevation ( Figs 3A–B View Fig , 4A View Fig , 8E View Fig ); male anterior gonocoxites 9 are slender and forming a V-shaped structure in ventral view; male posterior gonocoxites 9 are small, coniform; male gonocoxites 11 are slender round-arched ( Figs 4H–L View Fig , 8G View Fig ); the anteromedial pair of markings on the ventral side of larval head is larger ( Fig. 9B View Fig ).

However, in M. trigonois , an internal black stripe on gena extends to the posterior part ( Fig. 6B View Fig ); the pale yellowish part of the lateral margin of pronotum is narrower than in M. shalulianus sp. nov. ( Fig. 6C View Fig ); the mesoscutellum only has a longitudinal pale yellow stripe medially, the lateral pair of spots is absent; the hind femur is mostly dark brown dorsally ( Fig. 6C View Fig ); tarsomere 5 is generally dark brown; the wing veins are generally pale and dark brown ( Fig. 8D View Fig ); Sc is generally with alternating pale and dark brown; R is generally with alternating pale brown and dark brown ( Figs 2A View Fig , 3C–D View Fig , 6A View Fig , 8B View Fig ); stripes on each abdominal terga 3–8 are broader ( Figs 3C–D View Fig , 6A View Fig , 8F View Fig ); male anterior gonocoxites 9 are short coniform; male posterior gonocoxites 9 are nearly long trapezoid in ventral view; male gonocoxites 11 are wide round-arched ( Figs 6H–L View Fig , 8H View Fig ); the anteromedial pair of markings on the ventral side of larval head is smaller ( Fig. 9D View Fig ). Besides, our DNA barcoding evidence also confirms that M. shalulianus sp. nov. and M. trigonois are two different species (see Molecular identification; Fig. 13 View Fig ; Table 2).

Remark. Based on our examination of the type specimens of M. trigonois ( Fig. 2 View Fig ), we treat all paratypes of M. trigonois as the paratypes of M. shalulianus sp. nov.

dry-hot river valleys of the Jinshajiang River from the Shaluli mountain range ( Figs 1E, G View Fig ).

Distribution. China (Sichuan, Yunnan).

Comparative notes. This new species is closely related to M. trigonois , so when M. trigonois was previously published, the specimens of this new species were treated as paratypes of M. trigonois . However, there are significant differences between them. In M. shalulianus sp. nov., the dark brown marking on gena is only present on the anterior part ( Fig. 4B View Fig ); the pale yellowish part of the lateral margin of pronotum is wider than in M. trigonois ( Fig. 4C View Fig ); the mesoscutellum has a pair of pale yellow spots laterally ( Fig. 4C View Fig ); the hind femur is yellow dorsally; the tarsomeres are generally yellow, only distal parts are dark brown ( Fig. 8C View Fig ); the wing veins are generally pale yellow and yellowish- -brown; Sc is generally with alternating pale yellow and dark brown in basal half, and is fully pale yellow in distal half; R is fully yellowish-brown ( Figs 2B–C View Fig , 3A–B View Fig , 4A View Fig , 8A View Fig ); stripes on each abdominal terga 3–8 are narrower

Myrmeleon trigonois Bao & Wang, 2006

Chinese common name: mḃë

( Figs 1B, D View Fig ; 2A, C View Fig ; 3C–D View Fig ; 6 View Fig ; 7 View Fig ; 8B, D, F, H View Fig ; 9C–D, F, H View Fig ; 13 View Fig ; 14 View Fig ) Myrmeleon trigonois Bao & Wang, 2006:129 (type locality:China: Yunnan, Diqing, Deqen County, Meilishi Village; holotype in CAU). YANG et al. (2018): 67 ( Myrmeleon ); WANG et al. (2018): 102 ( Myrmeleon ). Type material examined. HOLOTYPE: J, CHINA: YUNNAN: Diqing, Deqen County [aeứǟ], Meilishi [èfflƂ], 2200 m, 20.VII.1982, Shuyong Wang (CAU).

Additional material examined. CHINA: CHONGQING: 1 ♀, Beibei District [ẌȅLJ], Mt. Jinyunshan [ãřŀ], 8–14.vii.2020, Qiaoqiao Liu (CAU); 1 ♀ (reared to adult, emerged in 17.x.2021), same locality as above, 1.viii.2021 (CAU); 1 ♀, Wushan County [ľŀǟ], Dangyang Township [ṤṚḩ], Wulipo National Natural Reserve [BfflăDzẋā ssẍẽṖLJ], 1753 m, 21.vii.2021, Lulan Jie (CAU); 1 ♀ (reared to adult, emerged in 19.vii.2023) and 2 3rd instar larvae, Wuxi County [ľṯǟ], Lanying Township [Ẻĕḩ], Lanying Village [Ẻĕ‼], 900 m, 17.v.2023, Yuchen Zheng (CAU). SHAANXI: 1 ♀, Hanzhong, Liuba County [ǎffiǟ], 23.vi.2012, Hui Wen (CAU). SICHUAN: 6 ♀♀ (reared to adult, emerged in 20.vi–2.ix.2023) and 7 3rd instar larvae, Aba, Wenchuan County [ŭ川ǟ], Weizhou Town [DZNJẘ], Qiangrengu [Ẋ λĕ], 1500–1700 m, 11–12.v.2023, Yuchen Zheng (CAU); 1 ♀ (reared to adult, emerged in 28.vii.2023), Aba, Lixian County [ḋǟ], Taoping Town [ḢNjẘ], 12.v.2023, Yuchen Zheng (CAU); 1 J (reared to adult, emerged in 27.v.2021) and 4 larvae, Garze, Danba County [丹Ƌǟ], Zhake Village [ĹḦ‼], Ripo [Hă], 1500 m, 12.iv.2021, Yuchen Zheng (CAU); 1 ♀ and 4 2nd instar larvae, Guangyuan, Lizhou District [flNJ LJ], Zoumaling [AELjĸ], Longhao Aviation School [İDZḇfiḆK], 550 m, 23.viii.2023, Wenkai Kou (CAU); 1 J, Panzhihua, West District, National Nature Reserve of Cycad Cycas panzhihuaensis [IJÜữn'ū DzẋāssẍẽṖLJ], 1508 m, 12.vii.2015, Lu Yue (CAU). YUNNAN: 1 ♀ (reared to adult), Dali, Mt. Cangshan Geopark of Dali [±ḋǔŀ AEŨàǡ], 2200 m, Jialing Li & Jishen Wang (CAU); 1 J, Zhaotong, Suijiang County [ûĭǟ], Mt. Fengdingshan [ōÑŀ], 16.ix.2009, Cao, Yang & Liu (CAU).

Diagnosis. Adult. Gena mostly pale yellow, with an internal black stripe extending to posterior part ( Fig. 6B View Fig ). Pale yellowish part of the lateral margin of pronotum narrow. Mesoscutellum only with a longitudinal, pale yellow stripe ( Fig. 6C View Fig ). Hind femur generally dark brown dorsally. Tarsomere 5 generally dark brown ( Figs 6A View Fig , 8D View Fig ). Wing veins generally pale and dark brown; Sc generally with alternating pale and dark brown; R generally with alternating pale brown and dark brown ( Figs 2A, C View Fig ; 3C–D View Fig ; 6A View Fig ; 8B View Fig ). Abdominal terga 3–8 each medially with a wide longitudinal yellowish-brown stripe ( Figs 3C–D View Fig , 6A View Fig , 8F View Fig ). Male anterior gonocoxites 9 short coniform, posterior gonocoxites 9 nearly long trapezoid in ventral view; gonocoxites 11 wide round-arched ( Figs 6H–L View Fig , 8H View Fig ).

Larva. Head anteromedially with a pair of small subtriangular dark brown markings in ventral view ( Figs 7B View Fig , 9D View Fig ).

Description. Adult. Size. Head width: 2.51–2.72 mm; forewing length: 31.12–34.94 mm; hindwing length: 31.74–35.73 mm.

Head. Vertex raised, black, anteriorly with brown annular marking, laterally with pair of brown markings. Antennae generally black ( Fig. 6C View Fig ). Gena wide, pale yellow, with internal black stripe extending to posterior part ( Fig. 6B View Fig ). Frons mostly black. Clypeus anterior 2/3 black, posterior 1/3 pale yellow ( Fig. 6B View Fig ). Labrum brown. Maxillary palpus generally dark brown. Labial palpus generally pale yellow; basal segment tiny, second segment nearly as long as distal segment; distal segment fusiform, mostly dark brown, basally pale yellow. Mandibles yellowish-brown with distal half dark reddish-brown.

Thorax dark brown, yellowish-brown and pale yellow. Pronotum dark brown with pale yellowish markings, nearly broader than long, covered with many pale setae and a few dark setae; anteriorly with pair of pale yellowish spots; medially with longitudinal pale yellowish stripe; lateral margin pale yellow; pale yellow part of lateral margin narrow. Mesoprescutum dark brown, sometimes with pair of brown markings; mesonotum dark brown, medially brown, mediolaterally with pair of longitudinal brown stripes, lateral margin with pair of brown spots; mesoscutellum dark brown, medially with longitudinal pale yellowish stripe. Metanotum dark brown, with pair of reddish-brown markings; metascutellum dark brown, posterior with trident-shaped pale yellowish marking. Meso- and metapleura generally dark brown ( Fig. 6C View Fig ).

Legs yellow with dark brown markings, with some dark setae. All coxae generally dark brown; tibiae ventrally with dark brown stripe; tibial spurs brown, spinous, shorter than tarsomere 1; pretarsal claws slightly curved, barely protruding basally ( Fig. 6A View Fig ). Fore leg: femur yellow, ventrally with longitudinal dark brown stripe; tarsomeres 1–4 generally yellow, dark brown distally, tarsomere 5 dark brown. Middle leg: femur yellow, ventrally with longitudinal dark brown stripe; tarsomere 1 generally brown, dark brown distally, tarsomeres 2–4 basally brown, distally dark brown, tarsomere 5 generally dark brown. Hind leg: femur generally dark brown, basally yellow and distally brown; tarsomere 1 generally brown, dark brown distally, tarsomeres 2–4 basally brown, distally dark brown, tarsomere ( Fig. 8D View Fig ).

Wings narrow, unmarked. Veins pale and dark brown. Pterostigma pale, indistinct brown spot proximad of pterostigma. Sc generally with alternating pale and dark brown; R generally with alternating pale brown and dark brown; CuA with alternating pale yellow and dark brown; RP originating distad of MP and CuA fork ( Fig. 8B View Fig ). Forewing with 10–13 presectoral crossveins; RP with 9–10 branches; anterior Banksian line absent, posterior Banksian line present. Hindwing with six to seven presectoral crossveins; Banksian line absent ( Figs 2A, C View Fig ; 3C–D View Fig ; 6A View Fig ).

Abdomen dark brown with yellowish-brown markings. Terga 3–8 each medially with wider longitudinal yellowish- -brown stripe ( Figs 3C–D View Fig , 6A View Fig , 8F View Fig ).

Male genitalia. Tergum 9 broad, nearly as long as wide in lateral view, generally dark brown, posterior margin yellowish-brown. Sternum 9 dark brown, narrowly scallop-shaped, with long dark setae ( Figs 6D–E View Fig ). Anterior gonocoxites 9 short coniform; posterior gonocoxites 9 nearly long trapezoid in ventral view. Gonocoxites 11 wide round-arched; gonostyli 11 slightly protruded; gonapophyses 11 shaped as a pair of fusiform structures ( Figs 6H–L View Fig , 8H View Fig ). Ectoproct modified, posteroventrally forming a hook-like projection, with many long setae ( Figs 6D–E View Fig ).

Female genitalia. Pregenital plate tiny, and coniform. Anterior branches of gonocoxites 8 tubercular, with some stout spiculate setae; posterior branches of gonocoxites 8 slender digitiform, distally with some stout setae. Gonocoxites 9 basally with dense short stout setae, distally with some stout and blunt setae. Ectoproct rounded on distal margin, posteroventrally with some stout and blunt setae ( Figs 6F–G View Fig ).

3rd instar larva. Size. Body length (excluding mandible): 6.17–8.78 mm; head length: 1.76–3.66 mm; head width 1.38–2.69 mm; mandible length: 1.92–3.96 mm.

Head nearly trapezoidal in dorsal view, longer than wide, basally narrower. Clypeo-labrum generally dark brown in dorsal view, with row of setae. Head pale yellow; in dorsal view, anteromedially with pair of close black spots, medially with pair of lung-form dark brown markings, laterally with pair of dark brown markings; in ventral view, anteromedially with pair of small subtriangular dark brown markings, mediolaterally with pair of dark brown spots. Mandible as long as head, mostly pale yellow, distally reddish-brown, equipped with three pairs of teeth, basally pale yellow, distally reddish-brown and gradually darkened on tip. Second tooth nearly longer than first tooth, third tooth nearly longer than second tooth. Five to seven interdental mandibular setae present anterior to first tooth; two to three interdental mandibular setae between first and second tooth; two interdental mandibular setae between second and third tooth; one to two interdental mandibular setae distad of third tooth. External margin of mandible with three groups of long, relatively short, and tiny setae respectively ( Figs 7A–C View Fig , 9C–D View Fig ).

Thorax. Pronotum pale yellow, with pair of longitudinal wide dark brown stripes; lateral margin with many long setae and dorsally with some tiny setae; ventral prothorax with pair of dark brown markings. Mesothorax dorsally with spiracles present on reduced brown sclerotized tubercle; meso- and metathorax dorsally with many dark brown spots and dots; meso- and metathoracic setiferous processes reduced, with dense long setae; mesothorax ventrally with pair of dark brown markings and metathorax ventrally with two pairs of dark brown markings ( Figs 7A–C View Fig , 9F View Fig ).

Legs pale yellow. All legs with coxa unmarked, covered with some long and short setae; femur and tibia with a few long setae and many short setae. Middle femur 1.5× as long as fore femur ( Figs 7A–C View Fig ).

Abdomen pale yellow, with many dark brown markings. Dorsal segments 1–8 each medially with longitudinal dark brown marking and laterally with two pairs of not abreast dark brown markings, suffused with many dark brown dots ( Fig. 7A View Fig ). Ventral segments 1–8 each medially with dark brown dot and pair of dark brown markings ( Fig. 7B View Fig ). Segment 8 odontoid processes pale brown, tiny. Segment 9 nearly half as long as wide, posteriorly with four digging setae forming transversal row; sometimes one or two sclerotized setae present anterior to the transversal row of digging setae; rastra reduced, each rastrum equipped with four digging setae of which external one nearly twice as long as internal setae ( Fig. 9H View Fig ).

Bio-ecology. Like other Myrmeleon larvae, the larvae of this new species make pit-shaped traps to ambush prey ( Fig. 1D View Fig ). This species is widespread in moist, low- to mid-elevation, densely vegetated mountains from the Yunling mountain range to the Wushan mountain range ( Figs 1F, H View Fig ).

Distribution. China: Chongqing (this paper), Shaanxi (this paper), Sichuan (this paper), Yunnan ( BAO & WANG 2006, this paper).

Order Diptera Linnaeus, 1758

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Insecta

Order

Neuroptera

Family

Myrmeleontidae

Genus

Myrmeleon

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