Xenos yangi sp. nov.: A new twisted-wing parasite species (Strepsiptera, Xenidae) from Gaoligong Mountains, Southwest China

Abstract

Here we report a new twisted-wing parasite species of the family Xenidae based on both morphological and molecular evidence. By using nearly complete mitogenomes, we confirmed the twisted-wing parasites on two wasps (Vespa velutina and Vespa bicolor) (China: Yunnan) as the same species, and associated its neotenic females and alate males. Combining the mitogenomic data (COI) and morphological traits, this species was identified to be a new species of the genus Xenos, namely Xenos yangi Dong, Liu & Li, sp. nov. Detailed descriptions and illustrations are provided for the new species.