Abstract
The genus Rapisma McLachlan, 1866 (Insecta: Neuroptera: Ithonidae) is a rare and poorly known lacewing group endemic to Asia. Here I present a revision of the Rapisma species from China, with description of two new species, namely Rapisma changqingensis sp. n. and Rapisma chikuni sp. n. The Chinese Rapisma now comprises five species that respectively belong to two monophyletic species groups. Rapisma changqingensis sp. n. represents the northernmost record of the genus, being distributed at the border of eastern Palaearctic and Oriental regions. Moreover, the homology of genital sclerites of Rapisma is also updated.
Key Words: Neuropterida, taxonomy, new species, Oriental region
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| Figure 7. Living habitus of Rapisma changqingensis sp. n., (A) male adult, lateral view |
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| Figure 7. Living habitus of Rapisma changqingensis sp. n., (B) female adult, dorsal view. |
Rapisma changqingensis sp. n.
Etymology: The new species is named based on the Changqing National Nature Reserve where type specimens of this species were collected.
Distribution: China (Shaanxi).
Rapisma chikuni sp. n.
Etymology: The new species is dedicated to Prof. Chikun Yang who made outstanding contributions to the taxonomy of Rapisma from China.
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| Figure 2. Habitus photos of Rapisma spp., (A) Rapisma changqingensis sp. n., holotype male; (B) same species, paratype female; (C) Rapisma yanhuangi Yang, male; (D) same species, holotype female; (E) same species, male, lacking forewing dark markings; (F) same species, female. Scale bar: 5.0 mm. |
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| Figure 3. Head of Rapisma spp. in frontal view, (A) Rapisma chikuni sp. n., holotype male; (B) Rapisma daianum Yang, holotype male; (C) Rapisma xizangense Yang, male; (D) same species, female (holotype of Rapisma zayuanum Yang); (E) Rapisma changqingensis sp. n., holotype male; (F) same species, paratype female; (G) Rapisma yanhuangi Yang, male; (H) same species, female. Scale bar: 1.0 mm. |
Rapisma daianum Yang, 1993
Rapisma daianum Yang, 1993: 147. Type locality: China (Yunnan: Menghai).
Distribution: China (Yunnan).
Rapisma xizangense Yang, 1993
Rapisma xizangense Yang, 1993: 148. Type locality: China (Xizang: Jigong).
Rapisma zayuanum Yang, 1993: 149. Type locality: China (Xizang: Jigong).
Distribution: China (Xizang).
Rapisma yanhuangi Yang, 1993
Distribution: China (Sichuan).
Conclusions:
This study summarized the present knowledge on the ithonid genus Rapisma from China, currently with five species that respectively belong to two monophyletic species group. The morphology of the genitalia of this genus was also further understood. In addition, the distribution region of Rapisma is now known to reach the border between Palaearctic and Oriental regions.
Rapisma is the only extant genus of Ithonidae from Asia. The phylogenetic status of this genus in Ithonidae, as well as the phylogenetic relationships among species within the genus, is of high interest and significance for understanding the origin and diversification pattern of the genus. A dated phylogeny of Ithonidae and Rapisma as well stand as a key to figure out the above questions, while comprehensive sampling, particularly new materials for molecular works, is required.
Xingyue Liu. 2018. A Review of the Montane Lacewing Genus Rapisma McLachlan (Neuroptera, Ithonidae) from China, with Description of Two New Species. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 94(1): 57-71. DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.21651
