Phylogeny and new species of the genus <i>Lipurometriocnemus</i> Sæther (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Abstract

<i>Lipurometriocnemus</i> Sæther (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae) is composed of fve species endemic to the American continent. Three new species from Argentina are described and illustrated as males and <i>Austrocladius barilochensis</i> (Edwards) is newly transferred to <i>Lipurometriocnemus</i>. A cladistic analysis of Orthocladiinae placed <i>Lipurometriocnemus</i> as sister group to <i>Metriocnemus</i> van der Wulp. A separate cladistic analysis of <i>Lipurometriocnemus</i> species was also conducted and the results are discussed. An identifcation key to the adult males of <i>Lipurometriocnemus</i> is provided.