New species of Labiobaetis Novikova & Kluge from New Guinea (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae): a never-ending story of diversity

Abstract

Investigations of material collected partly in 1999 and mainly between 2006 and 2016 in New Guinea, mostly along the high, central mountain chain of the island, further increased our knowledge of the diversity of the genus Labiobaetis Novikova & Kluge on this island. Previously, 37 species were reported from New Guinea. We have identified six new species using a combination of morphology and genetic analysis (COI). They are described and illustrated based on their larvae. Five of the six new species belong to the group petersorum, which is endemic to the island. Additionally, Labiobaetis xeniolus Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty is also assigned to this group. The morphological characterisation of the group petersorum is enhanced, and a key to all species of this group is provided. Complementary descriptions and remarks to the morphology of known species of the group petersorum are provided. Additionally, a genetic analysis (COI) including most species and several additional Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) of the group petersorum is discussed. One of the new species belongs to the group vitilis. The morphological characterization of this group is slightly enhanced, and the obtained COI sequence was added to the genetic analysis of the group petersorum. The total number of Labiobaetis species worldwide is augmented to 162.