The ecology of the Stictochironomus larvae that I studied in an old clay pit in Belgium is very particular compared to the other species of this taxocoenosis. Most larvae were found between 5 and 7 cm deep in the sediment, and only some were found in superficial layers.
Furthermore, the coloration pattern of their head capsule appears to be unique, but has apparently never (?) been described. However, the examination of pupal skins and adult males did not allow a certain identification. Therefore, and after consultation with Boudewijn Goddeeris, this Stictochironomus species was put in open nomenclature, near St. maculipennis (Meigen, 1818).
Suggestions for a formal identification are welcome.
A distinct but different pattern on the head capsule is seen in Stictochironomus larvae in Japan.
http://www.cty-net.ne.jp/~reichou/3-3-1%20Stictochiro%20group-eng.htm
Viktor, thank you for your kind offer.
A drawing of the hypopygium is in figure 2 . The specimens are now with dr Boudewijn Goddeeris at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. I could ask him to retrieve them from the collection for you?
Chapter Stictochironomus cf. St. maculipennis (Meigen, 1818) from Wa...
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