Neurigona susanrocesae, the first Neurigona species from the Philippines

Authors:
Custer C. Deocaris¹, Malona V. Alinsug¹*, Gladys R. Cabelin², and Reizl P. Jose^2
1Atomic Research Division, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City 1101, Philippines
²Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bohol Island State University, Bilar, Bohol 6317, Philippines
*Correspondence: malonava@pnri.dost.gov.ph

How to Cite:
Deocaris CC, Alinsug MV, Cabelin GR and Jose RP. In press. Neurigona susanrocesae, the first Neurigona species from the Philippines. The Palawan Scientist, 16(1): x-x.

ABSTRACT
The first species of the genus Neurigona is described from the Philippines. The diagnosis, description and molecular data based on the partial DNA sequence of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene were documented. The Neurigona species exhibits distinct characteristics, including a sub-apical dorsal stylus resembling an arista, a peduncle on the seventh abdominal segment, a flat dorsal postcranium, elongated legs devoid of prominent setae or bristles, and a distinctive rectangular bend in wing vein M. Based on the DNA sequence analysis, the unknown species is 90.06% similar to Cyrtona sp. and Neurigona zhejiangensis. However, 10% of its DNA sequences are significantly variable making it a totally different species. The specimen was verified by a dipterist as a species belonging to Genus Neurigona under Family Dolichopodidae. These flies are recognized for their lengthy legs and sizable yellow bodies. The species was named as N. susanrocesae as a tribute to the late Susan Roces, the “Queen of Philippine Movies”.
Keywords: Bohol Island, DNA barcoding, new species, phylogenetic analysis, taxonomy