Wuelkerella, Añón, Diego A. & Sublette, James E., 2012

Añón, Diego A. & Sublette, James E., 2012, from Argentina, Zootaxa 3177, pp. 59-65 : 59-63

Wuelkerella n. gen.

Type species: Wuelkerella toncekensis , by present designation.

Etymology. This new genus is named for Professor Dr. Wolfgang W. Wülker, Universität Freiburg, Germany (retired), an esteemed colleague and friend who has contributed much to the study of Chironomidae .

Diagnosis. Rather small species; wing length 3.0 mm or less. Antenna with 14 flagellomeres, terminal and basal flagellomeres black contrasting with the pale, elongate penultimate flagellomere; terminal 4x as long as wide ( Fig. 1 ). AR about 1.0. Antennal pedicel setose, with 2 setae dorsolateral and 5 ventrolateral. Clypeus with setae concentrated in a longitudinal median band. Palps fully developed.Thorax chaetotaxy: setae present on postnotum, posterior anepisternum, and preepisternum in addition to the usual antepronotal, acrostichals, dorsocentrals, prealars and scutellars; dorsocentrals expanded to a clump posteriorly and a broader fan anteriorly; acrotischals in two parallel rows. For comparison of chaetotaxy and selected diagnostic features in closely related genera see Table 1.

Table 1. Comparison of antennal ratios, coloration of antenna and chaetotaxy in Alotanypus Roback , Brundiniella Roback, Radotanypus Fittkau et Murray and Wuelkerella toncekensis n. sp.

Dorsocentral setae multiserial multiserial multiserial Single to double row,

becoming multiserial

anteriorly and posteriorly

Anepisternal setae present present present present Preepisternal setae present absent present present Postnotal setae absent present present present Wing venation ( Fig. 2 ) as in Radotanypus Fittkau et Murray, costa strongly extended; membrane with some areas of darker, heavier macrotrichia forming weak spots; remainder well haired with paler, weaker macrotrichia. Longitudinal veins with distinct setae; squama fully fringed. Legs of normal proportions; tibial spurs very similar to Radotanypus; tibial combs and sensilla chaetica present on mid and hind legs; unguis sharp tipped; pulvilli vestigial, scarcely discernable ( Fig. 3 ). Genitalia unique, with a distinctly constricted gonostylus on the apex and with unique setal bundles on both sides of tergite IX ( Fig. 4 ).

The pupa with a distinctive thoracic horn ( Fig. 5 ) when compared with Radotanypus Fittkau et Murray (Fittkau & Murray 1986, fig. 5.35), Brundiniella Roback ( Fittkau & Murray 1986, fig. 5.7) and Alotanypus Roback ( Fittkau & Murray 1986, fig. 5.3) its closest congeners; all other features are similar to these three genera.

Figures

FIGURE 4. Wuelkerella toncekensis n. sp. Adult male. Genitalia dorsally.

FIGURES 1 – 3. Wuelkerella toncekensis n. sp. Adults. 1: male and female antenna, 2: male wing, 3: apical portion of fifth tarsomere of middle leg of male.

FIGURES 5 – 6. Wuelkerella toncekensis n. sp. Pupa. 5: thoracic horn, 6: abdomen dorsally and details of anal spines.