Polypedilum (Tripodura) spathum Zhang & Wang

Zhang, Ruilei, Song, Chao, Qi, Xin & Wang, Xinhua, 2016, Taxonomic review on the subgenus Tripodura Townes (Diptera: Chironomidae: Polypedilum) from China with eleven new species and a supplementary world checklist, Zootaxa 4136 (1), pp. 1-53 : 33

Polypedilum (Tripodura) spathum Zhang & Wang

Polypedilum (Tripodura) spathum Zhang & Wang, 2007: 789 .

Material examined. Holotype: male (BDN. 06753) CHINA, Yunnan Province, Menglun County, 12. IV. 1987, light trap, H. Zou. Paratypes: 13 males, as the holotype.

Diagnostic characters. The spatula-shaped superior volsella of the species is unique in the subgenus. The high fore leg ratio (2.63–2.89), high number of median setae (20–28) on tergite IX and the low number of setae (2–3) on the inferior volsella will separate the species from other members in the subgenus.

Key characters of male imago. Total length 2.59–2.92, 2.74 mm. Wing length 1.57–1.70, 1.64 mm. AR 1.32– 1.58, 1.44. Temporal setae 9–11. Clypeus with 14–22, 18 setae. Vein R with 20–25, 22 setae; R1 with 16–21, 18; R4+5 with 35–43, 39. Squama with 4–6, 5 setae. Dorsocentrals 11–17, 14; acrostichals 17–24, 20; prealars 4–5, 5. Scutellum with 12–16, 14 setae. Front leg ratio 2.63–2.89, 2.75.

Tergite IX with 20–28, 25 median setae. Laterosternite with 2–3 setae. Anal point 58–72, 65 µm long, broad and distal half transparent; lateral projection absent. Superior volsella spatula-shaped, with 2 long setae on distal margin. Inferior volsella slender, 101–112, 106 µm long, with 2–3 setae. HR 0.90–1.06, 0.97. HV 1.80–2.04, 1.97.

Distribution. The species distributes in Yunnan Province (Oriental China).