Description of Rhinocypha taiwana sp. nov. from Taiwan, with a preliminary molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Rhinocypha drusilla-group (Odonata: Chlorocyphidae)

Liang-Jong Wanga , Jyh-Jong Cherngb, Yung-Jen Changc, Jin-Li Jiangb

  1. Division of Forest Protection , Taiwan Forestry Research Institute, Taipei, ROC
  2. Wild Bird Society of Keelung, Keelung, ROC
  3. Formosa Ecological Company, New Taipei City, ROC

International Journal of Odonatology, Volume 16, Issue 1, Pages 93-107, 2013
https://doi.org/10.1080/13887890.2012.763152
Published: 1 March 213 (Received: 26 November 2012, Accepted: 20 December 2012)

Abstract

Rhinocypha taiwana Wang & Chang, sp. nov. is described and illustrated for both sexes. The genetic distance of the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene in R. taiwana and related species ranges from 4.2% to 10.4%. R. taiwana is shown to be a good species based on morphological and genetic criteria. It also is clearly retrieved as a distinct species based on COI phylogenetic analysis. The R. drusilla group is proposed and defined by a combination of characteristics which distinguish them from all other Rhinocypha species: male abdomen with reddish orange markings and S2 with a unique dorsal spade-shaped or similar marking. A key to the males of the six species of the R. drusilla group is provided. Two morphologically distinct continental species, R. drusilla and R. arguta, are shown to have a rather small genetic distance, only 1.2–1.7%. More material from the continental populations of this group is needed for further morphological and molecular studies.

Keywords: Odonata, dragonfly, Rhinocypha taiwana, new species, Taiwan, DNA barcoding, molecular phylogeny

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