A new species of Zalepidota Rübsaamen, 1908 (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) on Piper vicosanum (Piperaceae), an endemic plant to Brazil

ABSTRACT

Zalepidota distincta sp. nov. (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) is described based on male, female, pupa and larva morphological characters. The new species induces galls on Piper vicosanum (Piperaceae), an endemic plant to Brazil. Types (mounted on slides) were deposited in the Entomological Collection of the Museu Nacional/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Illustrations of the most relevant morphological characters are provided. The new species has some morphological characters that differ from those of the genus diagnosis. Therefore, the concept of Zalepidota was broadened.

Keywords:
Gall midge; Piperaceae; Morphology; Taxonomy