FOUR NEW SPECIES OF BLACK FLIES (DIPTERA: SIMULIIDAE) FROM THAILAND

Abstract

Four new species of black flies (Diptera : Simuliidae) are described based on reared adult, pupal and/or larval specimens collected from Thailand. Three new species, Simulium chaliowae sp. nov., S. chainarongi sp. nov., and S. triglobus sp. nov., are all assigned in the multistriatum-group of the subgenus Simulium (Simulium), and share the similar shoe-shaped cocoon instead of the usual fenestrate cocoon. S. triglobus is most remarkable by having three spermathecae in female adult. The fourth new species, S. baimaii sp. nov., is placed in the genus Simulium but its subgeneric assignment remains unclear due to lack of adult specimens. This species is distinct from the other known simuliid species in the Oriental Region by having the pupal gill with two filaments directed forward from an inflated stalk on each side.