Descriptions of two new species of Culicoides Latreille from Sundarbans, India with an adult key to the ornatus species group of the Oriental region (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae)

Abstract

Two new species of biting midges, Culicoides cornatussp. nov. and Culicoides pileussp. nov. are described based on adults. The new species are compared to their congeners with close similarity. All specimens were collected from the Indian Sundarban Mangrove Forests, few specimens were mounted in glass slides and few were prepared for SEM study. Total 78 species under the genus Culicoides Latreille including the two new ones (6 species from ornatus species group) are described from India. An adult key of the ornatus species group from the Oriental Region is provided.