Lessons from the slide preparation: A new species of Kaluginia (Diptera, Chironomidae) from China

Kaluginia wangi sp. nov., collected from China, is described and illustrated. The species belongs to the tribe Boreoheptagyiini (Diamesinae). The genus Kaluginia is newly recorded from China.

Phylogenetic analyses based on five molecular markers (18 S, 28 S, CAD, COI- 5 p, and COI- 3 p) confirm the new species belongs to a highly supported clade together with the known species Kaluginia lebetiformis. Morphologically, the two species are somewhat similar but can be distinguished by the number of antennal flagellomeres, and the structure of the hypopygium. Through careful slide preparation of the holotype and integrated morphological and molecular cross-validation, this study revealed that variations in slide-mounting techniques can produce morphological artifacts, thereby directly affecting taxonomic conclusions.

These findings highlight that for taxa characterized by fine morphological structures, meticulous slide preparation and thorough verification are essential for ensuring robust taxonomic outcomes.