Two new species of the Neoperla (Formosita) lushana-group (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from China, supported by morphological and mitochondrial COI data

Abstract

The Neoperla (Formosita) lushana-group is revised using an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and molecular evidence. Two new species of this group are described and illustrated: Neoperla foping Wang, Wang & Li sp. nov. from Shaanxi Province and Neoperla huangi Wang, Wang & Li sp. nov. from Hunan Province. Diagnostic features are compared with those of related congeners. DNA barcode sequences (COI) were generated for both species, and their species boundaries were supported by morphological differentiation, phylogenetic analyses, and interspecific genetic distances. Phylogenetic reconstruction further corroborated the monophyly and distinctiveness of the two new species within the N. (F.) lushana-group.