Convergent maculation in South American Perlidae? An integrative approach reveals a new species of Kempnyia Klapálek, 1914 (Plecoptera: Perlidae)

Abstract

The Neotropical genus Kempnyia Klapálek, 1914 (Plecoptera: Perlidae), endemic to Brazil, currently comprises 36 valid species and has been the focus of increasing taxonomic and molecular studies in recent decades. Despite these advances, the diversity of the genus remains incompletely known. In this study, we describe a new species, Kempnyia bispoi sp. n., based on an integrative approach combining morphological evidence and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences. Species delimitation methods (ABGD, ASAP, PTP, and bPTP) and Maximum Likelihood analyses consistently support the recognition of the new species. Kempnyia bispoi sp. n. is distinguished by a unique orange-and-black maculation pattern, unprecedented within the genus, although similar patterns occur in distantly related South American Perlidae, suggesting convergent evolution. The species is recorded from three Atlantic Forest localities in southeastern Brazil and appears to be rare, given extensive sampling efforts. In addition to the species description, we discuss the occurrence and evolutionary implications of similar maculation patterns in other Neotropical perlids and provide an updated taxonomic overview of Kempnyia. These findings highlight the importance of integrative taxonomy and continued sampling efforts, even in well-studied regions, for uncovering hidden biodiversity.