A new Chironomus species of the plumosus sibling-group (Diptera, Chironomidae) from China

Chironomus sinicus sp. n. is described from China. The new species was referred to previously as C. plumosus ( L.). Study of the karyotype has shown strong karyological difference between C. sinicus and the true C. plumosus. Five of the seven chromosomal arms ( B, C, D, F, G) have different species-specific banding sequences in C. sinicus in comparison with C. plumosus. Two chromosomal arms ( A and E) are identical in both species. Despite of the karyological differences indicated, the general pattern of banding sequences in C. sinicus is related closely to C. plumosus and other members of the plumosus sibling group. Larva, pupa and adult morphology of C. sinicus are very similar to C. plumosus. The larva, however, have ventral tubules of the semireductus type. The pupa has shagreen on sternite III - IV.