Parachaetocladius lenferringtoni (Diptera: Chironomidae), a new orthoclad from North America, with keys to adult males and pupae of the Nearctic Parachaetocladius (Wlker, 1959).

In this study, we describe Parachaetocladius lenferringtoni sp. nov., based on all its life stages, and provide keys to adult males and pupae of the Nearctic Parachaetocladius. The new species was originally placed in Parachaetocladius abnobaeus (Wlker 1959) due to the similarity in the hypopygium of these species. However, a detailed examination of adults and associated immature specimens demonstrates that P. lenferringtoni sp. nov. represents a single species that is different from P. abnobaeus. Diagnostic adult and pupal characters were identified to separate this new species from P. abnobaeus and other species of Parachaetocladius. The separation of the larva of P. lenferringtoni sp. nov. and P. abnobaeus is currently tenuous, but some possible diagnostic characters are provided. Material of P. lenferringtoni sp. nov. was obtained for this study from Canada (Manitoba) and the United States of America (Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin), indicating this species is largely limited to central North America. The habitat of this new species matches that of other Parachaetocladius species in that it has been collected from sandy substrates in springs and groundwater-dominated streams.

Chironomidae (Diptera) of Shalmash Falls, West Azerbaijan, Iran, with the description of Paracricotopus davoodi sp. nov., a new Orthocladiinae.

In this study, we describe Paracricotopus davoodi sp. nov., a new Orthocladiinae, and report on eight new faunistic records from Iran, further extending their distribution within the Palearctic realm. Along with describing a new species, we provide a key for the adult males and immatures of the genus Paracricotopus Brundin, 1956. We conducted this study as part of our ongoing investigation of the Chironomidae biodiversity in western Iran, where we aim to database new faunistic records and new taxa in the freshwaters of the Zagros Mountains. The studied freshwater, Shalmash Falls, is part of the main channel of the Little Zab River tributary that originates from the natural springs and glacier-fed runoffs of the Zagros Mountains. The Shalmash Falls is considered a natural wonder of western Iran and has ecotourism importance.

Zavrelia parapentatoma (Chironomidae: Diptera), a curious new species from North America, revealed by molecular methods.

In this study, we describe Zavrelia parapentatoma sp. nov. based on specimens collected near a cattail marsh in Michigan, USA. At first glance, the new species resembles Zavrelia pentatoma Kieffer & Bause, 1913 closely. However, a detailed morphological and molecular assessment revealed the differences. Morphologically the two species can be separated mainly based on the shape and pattern of long spinulae between long anal crests of adult males and setal patterns on the pupal abdomen. Larvae of both species also have some subtle morphological differences that are discussed in this study. Our molecular analysis of cytochrome oxidase (COI) genes and methods for delimiting species further supported the presence of a new species. In this study, we describe all the life stages, provide life history observations for this new species, and provide keys to adult males and immatures of the genus Zavrelia.

Metriocnemus erythranthei sp. nov. and Limnophyes viribus sp. nov. (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae): leafminers of monkeyflowers, speedwells, and other herbaceous plants, with new observations on the ecology and habitats of other leaf-mining Chironomidae.

In this study, we describe Metriocnemus erythranthei sp. nov. and Limnophyes viribus sp. nov., leafminers of herbaceous wetland plants. The M. erythranthei larva is a true miner entering fresh leaves and excavating the tunnels, and the L. viribus larva inhabits vacated mines of M. erythranthei. M. erythranthei is widespread in North America, with collections from the Pacific coast to Pennsylvania, and L. viribus has been collected from Iowa and Oregon. We also describe the larva of a possible new species associated with these plants, which we refer to as Metriocnemus sp. "Oregon". A key to the known larval stages of North American Metriocnemus is also provided. Along with providing a detailed account of the mining ecology of these new species, we discuss additional observations of mostly Orthocladiinae midges associated with aquatic and terrestrial plants. These include documenting the rearing of Metriocnemus eurynotus (Holmgren, 1883) from larvae feeding on Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) cotyledons, initially as leafminers and later externally. Larvae of M. eurynotus also were found feeding within mines of M. erythranthei on Veronica (Plantaginaceae) and were collected along with M. erythranthei larvae on leaves of Petasites (Asteraceae).

Alaskacladius gen. nov., (Diptera: Chironomidae), a unique new orthoclad from Alaska.

We describe a new genus Alaskacladius gen. nov., based on the adult stages collected from Alaska, USA, and British Columbia, Canada. Molecular and morphological assessment of adult specimens supports the presence of a new genus. Alaskacladius gen. nov., is related to the genera Doithrix Sther & Sublette, 1983; Georthocladius Strenzke, 1941; Parachaetocladius Wlker, 1959; and Pseudorthocladius Goetghebuer, 1932. Based on the molecular analysis result and intergeneric K2P distance obtained from Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) genes, Alaskacladius is closest and forms a sister group with Doithrix.

Two new Orthocladiinae (Diptera: Chironomidae) collected in overlooked places of Midwest USA.

We describe Cedrimyia margareti gen. nov., sp. nov. from Ohio and Wisconsin, and Parakiefferiella mishigami sp. nov. (Orthocladiinae) from Michigan. Cedrimyia is likely related to Antillocladius Sther, 1981, Litocladius Mendes, Andersen and Sther, 2004, Lyrocladius Mendes and Andersen, 2008, and Compterosmittia Sther, 1981, genera with scalpellate acrostichals. The new species of Parakiefferiella has a well-separated bilobed inferior volsella differing in shape from known Parakiefferiella species.