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Culicoides isoregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta (Fig 3a–i) Culicoides isoregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta, in Majumdar, Das Gupta & Gangopadhyay 1997: 28; Majumdar 1972: 143–147; Nandi 2014: 88–90 Material examined. Holotype (1 ♀), Darjeeling Govt. College, August, 1968, Coll. P.K. Chaudhuri; Allotype (1 ♁), Darjeeling Govt. College, May, 1968, Coll. P.K. Chaudhuri. Diagnosis. The only species in the Aterinervis group with the following suite of characters: Poststigmatic pale spot not extending posteriorly to touch but not cross vein M 1; distal pale spot in cell m 1 narrow, elongate; triangular pale spot in cell cua 1; anal cell with elongate distal pale spot; posterior margin of tergum IX ending just before the apex of the gonocoxite. Female. Head (Figs. 3a, 3b and 3c). Antenna with SCo on flagellomeres 1, 9–13. Third palpal segment slender, medially swollen bearing capitate sensilla without sensory pit; second segment slender, first, fourth, fifth segments short, stout. Thorax. Scutum pale brown; lateral margin dark brown with two dark lateral, pale median streaks; postscutellum dark brown. Legs (Figs. 3d and 3e). Brownish; fore femora with pale apical and mid femora with basal and apical pale bands, fore and mid tibiae with basal pale bands, hind femora with pale basal bands, hind tibia with pale basal and apical bands; hind tibial comb with 6 spines, second longest; spur tip frayed; claws equal. Wing (Fig. 3f). Pale spot over r-m crossvein crossing vein M; distal portion of 2 nd radial cell included in pale triangular poststigmatic pale spot that does not extend to vein M 1; apical pale spot in cell r 3 not reaching wing margin; cell m 1 with two pale spots, distal one elongate, not reaching wing margin; distal pale spot in cell m 2 broadly reaching wing margin; triangular pale spot in cell cua 1 expanded at wing margin; dark spot parallel with vein CuA 2; dark marking in anal angle; distal pale spot broadly tapering to posterior wing margin. Macrotrichia numerous on distal part of the wing. Abdomen (Fig. 3g). Dark streaks on terga; spermatheca two, subequal, ovoid, well developed, brown with sclerotized, oblique necks; rudimentary spermatheca present; small ring present. Male. Similar to female with usual sexual differences. Genitalia (Figs. 3h and 3i). Caudomedian excavation shallow, U shaped. Tergum IX without apicolateral processes, posterior margin of tergum IX ending before the apex of the gonocoxite; gonocoxite with well developed dorsal root; gonostylus elongate, medially curved with blunt tip. Aedeagus V shaped with small, bent basal arms, stem broad at basal half, narrow end. Parameres with stout basal arms, stem broad basally. Immatures. Unknown Larval habitat. Unknown Distribution. India (Darjeeling, West Bengal) Remarks. C. isoregalis is similar to C. subregalis in possessing dark area at anal angle, pale spot over r-m crossvein narrow. It differs as it possesses an elongate distal pale spot in cell m 1, triangular pale spot in cell cua 1 and a pale brown scutum. These two species share many similarities and have overlapping morphometric data so may in fact be a single, variable species but this requires further validation to confirm. C. regalis is also similar to C. isoregalis but differs in antennal ratio, palpal ratio and in the number of mandibular teeth (Table 1), presence of pale spot over r-m crossvein broad, pale area of wing base extending to posterior wing margin of anal cell and distal pale spot of anal cell bilobed.

Culicoides pararegalis Majumdar & Das Gupta (Fig 5a–i) Culicoides pararegalis Majumdar & Das Gupta, in Majumdar, Das Gupta & Gangopadhyay 1997: 28; Majumdar 1972: 165– 168; Nandi 2014: 92–93 Material examined. Holotype (1 ♀), Darjeeling Govt. College, 25.vi.1968, Coll. Dr. S.K. Das Gupta; 1 ♀, PHE camp, Neora Valley National Park, 14.iii.2021, Coll. S.K. Sinha. Diagnosis. Pale spot over r-m cross vein broad, extending to cell m 2; distal pale spot on cells r 3 and m 1 reduced, distant from wing margin; anal cell with two separated distal pale spots. Female. Head (Figs. 5a and 5b). Eyes contiguous, for 3 facets. Antenna with SCo on flagellomeres 1, 9–13; third palpal segment long, slender, numerous capitate sensilla, second segment long, with minute capitate sensilla, first, fourth and fifth segments short, fifth segment with 4 apical sensilla chaetica. Thorax (Fig. 5c). Brown with random dark markings; postscutellum brown. Legs (Figs 5d and 5e). Brownish; fore femora with pale apical bands, mid femora with narrow pale area at base, apex pale, hind femora basally pale, fore and mid tibia with broad pale band in basal half, hind tibia with pale basal and apical bands; hind tibial comb with 6 unequal spines, second one longest; spur tip frayed; claws equal. Wing (Fig. 5f). Pale area at wing base extending to posterior wing margin of anal cell; pale spot over r-m crossvein crossing vein M, continuous to cell m 2; a large poststigmatic pale spot including almost entire 2 nd radial cell expanded at wing margin, ending posteriorly before vein M 1; pale spot in cell r 3 reduced, not reaching wing margin, closer to vein M 1 than to wing margin; pale streak parallel to vein M 1; cell m 1 with a distal small, oval pale spot separated from wing margin; cell m 2 with additional two spots, one overlying over Cu fork, distal one larger, narrowly separated from wing margin; cell cua 1 with a pale spot extending to posterior wing margin, proximal portion of dark spot over vein CuA 2 expanded, posteriorly tapered; anal cell with two rounded distal spots. Abdomen ( Figs. 5h and 5i). Brownish with dark streaks; spermatheca two, well developed, ovoid, subequal, well sclerotized with short, oblique prominent necks; rudimentary one small, tubular; ring indistinct. Male. Unknown Immatures. Unknown Larval habitat. Unknown Distribution. India (Darjeeling, Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal) Remarks. C. pararegalis similar to C. regalis as pale area of wing base extending to posterior wing margin of anal cell and with a broad pale spot over r-m crossvein. Additionally, the morphometric data (Table 1) of these species overlaps suggesting that C. pararegalis may just be a variant of the more widespread C. regalis. The major difference between these species is the reduced distal pale spot in cell r 3 and two separate distal pale spots in anal cell of C. pararegalis, warrant further investigation to confirm the status of C. pararegalis., Published as part of Sarkar, Ankita, Banerjee, Paramita, Sinha, Shuvra Kanti & Mazumdar, Abhijit, 2023, A taxonomic revision of the Indian species of the ' Aterinervis' group of Culicoides Latreille Subgenus Hoffmania Fox (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), pp. 405-428 in Zootaxa 5258 (4) on page 414, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5258.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7784423, {"references":["Majumdar, B. C., Das Gupta, S. K. & Gangopadhyay, L. (1997) Some new species of Hoffmania Fox subgenus of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Darjeeling. Journal of Bengal Natural History Society, 16, 27 - 34.","Majumdar, B. C. (1972) Studies on Systematics and distribution of Culicoides midges (Ceratopogonidae: Diptera) of Eastern India. Ph. D. Thesis, The University of Calcutta, Calcutta, 263 pp.","Nandi, M. (2014) Revision of Indian species of the genus Culicoides Latreille, 1809 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Ph. D. Thesis, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, 325 pp."]}

Culicoides aterinervis Tokunaga (Fig. 2a–g) Culicoides aterinervis Tokunaga 1937: 312–315; Arnaud 1956: 95–96; Kitaoka 1980: 20; Yu et al. 2005: 995–996 Diagnosis (Modified after Tokunaga 1937; Arnaud 1956; Kitaoka 1980 and Yu et al. 2005). Pale spot over r-m crossvein continuing as long pale streak parallel to vein M 1; narrow, long pale streak along full length of cell m 2; broad dark spots between pale area of anal angle and distal pale spots in anal cell. Female. Head (Figs. 2a and 2b). Eyes bare, contiguous for 2 facets. Antenna with SCo on flagellomeres 1, 9–13; third palpal segment long, slender, swollen medially, gradually tapering towards apex without sensory pit, numerous scattered capitate sensilla; mandible with 14 teeth. Thorax. Brown scutum. Postscutellum, scutellum dark brown. Legs (Fig. 2c). Brown; fore femora with apical bands, mid femora with basal, apical pale bands, fore and mid tibiae with basal pale bands, hind femora with basal pale bands, hind tibiae distinctly pale on both ends; hind tibial comb with 5–6 spines, second one longest. Wing (Fig. 2d). Base of wing including anal corner pale; pale spot over r-m cross vein narrow, extending over proximal half of cell r 1, crossing vein M; 1 st and 2 nd radial cells unequal; poststigmatic pale spot broadly covering 2 nd radial cell, tapering posteriorly to end before vein M 1; pale spot in cell r 3 not reaching wing margin; proximal pale spots of cells m 1 and m 2 confluent; distal pale spot in cell m 1 elongate, not reaching wing margin; distal pale spot in cell m 2 broadly meeting wing margin; narrow, long pale streak along the full length of cell m 2; distal pale spot in cell cua 1 extending to wing margin, separated from vein CuA 1, pale spot present anterior to base of Cu fork; anal cell with elongate distal pale spot. Macrotrichia few on distal wing blade. Abdomen (Fig. 2e). Brownish; two spherical spermathecae, brown, with short necks; third spermatheca tubular, rudimentary, small sclerotized ring present. Male. Genitalia (Figs. 2f and 2g). Caudomedian excavation shallow, U shaped. Tergum IX without apicolateral processes, posterior margin of tergum IX ending before the apex of the gonocoxite; gonocoxite with well developed dorsal root; gonostylus elongate, medially curved with blunt tip. Aedeagus V shaped with small, bent basal arms, stem broad in basal half, tapering to rounded apex. Parameres separated with stout basal arms, stem broad basally, short, slender distally with minute fringing setae. Immatures. Unknown Larval habitat. Unknown Distribution. Japan, China Remarks. C. aterinervis possessing characters of subgenus Hoffmania (Wirth & Hubert 1989) viz., eyes bare, contiguous; SCo on flagellomeres 1, 9–13; second hind tibial spine long; wing with 1 st and 2 nd radial cell unequal; 2 nd radial cell long, broad, at least distal half included in poststigmatic pale spot, proximal pale spots in cell m 1 and m 2 confluent; spermathecae two, ovoid with neck, third one rudimentary, a sclerotized ring present; male genitalia rounded without apicolateral processes; gonostylus usually with rounded, blunt tip; gonocoxite with dorsal root; aedeagus usually with basal arch low and the anterior margin often with sclerotized rim, distal process slender, usually with internal sclerotized peg at base; parameres separated with short basal arm, short, slender distally with minute fringing setae. So, it can be stated that this species belong to Hoffmania rather than Culicoides and transferred this species to subgenus Hoffmania., Published as part of Sarkar, Ankita, Banerjee, Paramita, Sinha, Shuvra Kanti & Mazumdar, Abhijit, 2023, A taxonomic revision of the Indian species of the ' Aterinervis' group of Culicoides Latreille Subgenus Hoffmania Fox (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), pp. 405-428 in Zootaxa 5258 (4) on pages 408-410, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5258.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7784423, {"references":["Tokunaga, M. (1937) Sand flies (Ceratopogonidae, Diptera) from Japan. Tenthredo, 1, 233 - 338.","Arnaud, P. (1956) The heleid genus Culicoides in Japan, Korea and Ryukyu Islands (Insecta: Diptera). Microentomology, 21, 84 - 207.","Kitaoka, S. (1980) Six new species and males of some species of Japanese Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). National Institute of Animal Health Quarterly, 20 (1), 11 - 22.","Yu, Y. X., Liu, J. H., Liu, G. P., Liu. Z. J., Hao, B. S., Yn, G. & Zhao, T. S. (2005) Ceratopogonidae of China, Insecta, Diptera. Vol. 2. Military Medical Science Press, Beijing, 1001 pp.","Wirth, W. W. & Hubert, A. A. (1989) The Culicoides of South East Asia (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Memoirs of the American Entomological Institute, 44, 1 - 508."]}

Culicoides neoregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta (Fig 4a–i) Culicoides neoregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta, in Majumdar, Das Gupta & Gangopadhyay 1997: 29; Majumdar 1972: 161–165; Nandi 2014: 90–92 Materials examined. Holotype (1 ♀), Darjeeling Govt. College. 02.vi.1968, Coll. Dr. P.K. Chaudhuri; Allotype (1 ♁), Darjeeling Govt. College, 04.ix.1968, Coll. P.K. Chaudhuri. Diagnosis. Pale spot over r-m cross vein broad, extending posteriorly to cell m 2; broad dark band apical to r-m crossvein, straddling vein M continuous to cell m 1; distal pale spot in cell r 3 broad reaches apex of cell, confluent with distal pale spot of cell m 1 and m 2; poststigmatic pale spot crossing vein M 1, confluent with proximal pale spots of cells m 1 and m 2 and distal pale spot in cell cua 1; anal cell with one broadly constricted distal pale spot. Female. Head (Figs. 4a and 4b). Antenna with SCo on flagellomeres 1, 9–13; third palpal segment slender, medially swollen, gradually tapering towards apex with minute capitate sensilla; second palp segment longer than first, fourth and fifth segments, fifth palpal segment with 4 apical sensilla chaetica. Thorax. Brown; long dark markings on scutum; humeral region pale; postscutellum dark. Legs (Figs. 4c and 4d). Brownish; fore femora with apical bands, mid femora with basal, apical pale bands, fore and mid tibiae with basal pale bands, hind femora with basal pale bands; hind tibia with pale basal and apical bands; hind tibial comb with 6 spines, second one longest; spur tip frayed; claws equal. Wing (Fig. 4e). Brownish with many interconnected pale areas, pale area of wing base extending to posterior margin of anal cell; pale spot over r-m crossvein broad, continuous posteriorly to cell m 2; dark spot at the junction of radial cells crossing vein M 1; poststigmatic pale spot posteriorly converging with pale area of cell m 1; pale spot in cell r 3 broadly reaching wing margin; pale spot in cell cua 1 extending to wing margin, touching vein CuA 1; one medially constricted distal pale spot in anal cell, anteriorly extending to the stem of Cu fork, posteriorly expanded at posterior wing margin. Abdomen (Fig. 4f). Brownish with dark streaks; lateral margin of sternite VIII straight; spermatheca two, pyriform, equal to subequal, well developed, with a short, oblique scletotized neck, a small sclerotized ring; fingerlike rudimentary spermatheca present. Male. Similar to female with usual sexual differences. Genitalia (Figs. 4g, 4h and 4i). Sternum IX sclerotized with medially shallow caudomedian excavation; tergum IX with weakly developed apicolateral processes, median cleft present at caudal margin; posterior margin of tergum IX ending beyond the apex of gonocoxite. Gonocoxite stout with well developed dorsal root, more or less narrow distally. Gonostylus broad basally, abruptly curved medially, narrowing to blunt tip.Aedeagus V shaped, represented by two sclerites with stout basal arms, distal process elongated. Parameres with broad basal arms joined at mid portion, narrowing distally with minute fringing setae. Immatures. Unknown Larval habitat. Unknown Distribution. India (Darjeeling, West Bengal) Remarks. C. neoregalis resembles C. regalis in retaining pale area of wing base extending to posterior wing margin of anal cell, a constricted distal pale spot in anal cell but C. neoregalis varies in antennal ratio, palpal ratio, mandibular teeth (Table 1), larger, coalescing pale areas over wing, distal pale spot in cell r 3 broadly meeting wing margin, poststigmatic pale spot covering almost 2 nd radial cell and crossing vein M 1. C. pararegalis varies from C. neoregalis by having a reduced distal pale spot in cell r 3 and two separate, round distal pale spots in anal cell.

Culicoides subregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta (Fig 9a–i) Culicoides subregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta, in Majumdar, Das Gupta & Gangopadhyay 1997: 31; Majumdar 1972: 228–232; Nandi 2014: 104–106 Materials examined. Holotype (1 ♀), Darjeeling Govt. College, 23.vi.1968, Coll. Dr. S.K. Das Gupta; Allotype (1 ♁), Darjeeling Govt. College, 09.vi.1968, Coll. Dr. S.K. Das Gupta; 12 ♀, 2 ♁, Bhotaykhadka, Neora Valley National Park, 19.x.2019, Coll. S.K. Sinha. Diagnosis. Broad dark band apical to r-m crossvein; indistinct pale spot anterior to Cu fork; anal cell with elongate distal pale spot; posterior margin of tergum IX terminating much before apex of gonocoxite. Female. Head (Figs. 9a and 9b). Antenna with SCo on flagellomeres 1, 9–13. Third palpal segment long, slender, tapering past middle bearing capitate sensilla, without sensory pit; fifth segment with 4 apical sensilla. Mandible with basal 4–5 teeth broad. Thorax. Scutum brown, anterior, posterior portion dark brown; humeral region pale; postscutellum dark brown. Legs (Figs 9c and 9d). Brownish; femora indistinctly pale at bases, fore and mid femora with pale apical bands, tibiae pale at bases; hind tibial comb with 5– 6 spines, second one longest; spur tip frayed; claws equal. Wing (Fig. 9f). Dark area at anal angle; pale spot over r-m crossvein narrow, crossing vein M; poststigmatic pale spot covering half of 2 nd radial cell, meeting costa but not reaching vein M 1, distal pale spot distinctly distant from apical wing margin; cell m 1 with an elongate distal pale spot distant from wing margin; cell m 2 with an indistinct pale spot anterior to Cu fork and distal pale spot broadly meeting wing margin; cell cua 1 with broad large pale spot extending posteriorly to wing margin; anal cell with a long distal pale spot, perpendicular to and continuous to posterior wing margin. Abdomen (Fig. 9g). Brownish with dark tergal streaks; spermatheca two, well developed, pear shaped, subequal, moderately sclerotized with distinct oblique necks; third rudimentary one finger like; small ring present. Male. Similar to female with usual sexual differences. Genitalia (Figs 9h and 9i). Sternum IX broad with shallow caudomedian excavation. Tergum IX quadrate with round apical margin, a narrow medial cleft, without apicolateral process; posterior margin of tergum IX terminating much before apex of gonocoxite. Gonocoxite broad basally, apex narrow with distinct dorsal root. Gonostylus dilated at base, slightly curved medially, ending in blunt tip. Aedeagus weakly sclerotized with short, bent basal arms. Parameres with sclerotized basal arms with broad base, stem dilated basally, gradually tapering. Immatures. Unknown Larval habitat. Unknown Distribution. India (Darjeeling, Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal) Remarks. This species differs from C. regalis in antennal ratio, width of the pale spot over r-m crossvein, extent of pale area at wing base to anal angle and the long distal pale spot in the anal cell. C. subregalis is closest to C. isoregalis and C. isoregalis seems to be a variant of this species as morphometric data of these two species overlap and but differs in scutal colour, elongated pale spot in cell m 1 and shape of pale spot in cell cua 1 that may be resulted due to intraspecific variation but status of these species need to be further strengthened by studying more specimens or by molecular approaches., Published as part of Sarkar, Ankita, Banerjee, Paramita, Sinha, Shuvra Kanti & Mazumdar, Abhijit, 2023, A taxonomic revision of the Indian species of the ' Aterinervis' group of Culicoides Latreille Subgenus Hoffmania Fox (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), pp. 405-428 in Zootaxa 5258 (4) on pages 421-422, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5258.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7784423, {"references":["Majumdar, B. C., Das Gupta, S. K. & Gangopadhyay, L. (1997) Some new species of Hoffmania Fox subgenus of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Darjeeling. Journal of Bengal Natural History Society, 16, 27 - 34.","Majumdar, B. C. (1972) Studies on Systematics and distribution of Culicoides midges (Ceratopogonidae: Diptera) of Eastern India. Ph. D. Thesis, The University of Calcutta, Calcutta, 263 pp.","Nandi, M. (2014) Revision of Indian species of the genus Culicoides Latreille, 1809 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Ph. D. Thesis, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, 325 pp."]}

Culicoides neoregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta (Fig 4a–i) Culicoides neoregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta, in Majumdar, Das Gupta & Gangopadhyay 1997: 29; Majumdar 1972: 161–165; Nandi 2014: 90–92 Materials examined. Holotype (1 ♀), Darjeeling Govt. College. 02.vi.1968, Coll. Dr. P.K. Chaudhuri; Allotype (1 ♁), Darjeeling Govt. College, 04.ix.1968, Coll. P.K. Chaudhuri. Diagnosis. Pale spot over r-m cross vein broad, extending posteriorly to cell m 2; broad dark band apical to r-m crossvein, straddling vein M continuous to cell m 1; distal pale spot in cell r 3 broad reaches apex of cell, confluent with distal pale spot of cell m 1 and m 2; poststigmatic pale spot crossing vein M 1, confluent with proximal pale spots of cells m 1 and m 2 and distal pale spot in cell cua 1; anal cell with one broadly constricted distal pale spot. Female. Head (Figs. 4a and 4b). Antenna with SCo on flagellomeres 1, 9–13; third palpal segment slender, medially swollen, gradually tapering towards apex with minute capitate sensilla; second palp segment longer than first, fourth and fifth segments, fifth palpal segment with 4 apical sensilla chaetica. Thorax. Brown; long dark markings on scutum; humeral region pale; postscutellum dark. Legs (Figs. 4c and 4d). Brownish; fore femora with apical bands, mid femora with basal, apical pale bands, fore and mid tibiae with basal pale bands, hind femora with basal pale bands; hind tibia with pale basal and apical bands; hind tibial comb with 6 spines, second one longest; spur tip frayed; claws equal. Wing (Fig. 4e). Brownish with many interconnected pale areas, pale area of wing base extending to posterior margin of anal cell; pale spot over r-m crossvein broad, continuous posteriorly to cell m 2; dark spot at the junction of radial cells crossing vein M 1; poststigmatic pale spot posteriorly converging with pale area of cell m 1; pale spot in cell r 3 broadly reaching wing margin; pale spot in cell cua 1 extending to wing margin, touching vein CuA 1; one medially constricted distal pale spot in anal cell, anteriorly extending to the stem of Cu fork, posteriorly expanded at posterior wing margin. Abdomen (Fig. 4f). Brownish with dark streaks; lateral margin of sternite VIII straight; spermatheca two, pyriform, equal to subequal, well developed, with a short, oblique scletotized neck, a small sclerotized ring; fingerlike rudimentary spermatheca present. Male. Similar to female with usual sexual differences. Genitalia (Figs. 4g, 4h and 4i). Sternum IX sclerotized with medially shallow caudomedian excavation; tergum IX with weakly developed apicolateral processes, median cleft present at caudal margin; posterior margin of tergum IX ending beyond the apex of gonocoxite. Gonocoxite stout with well developed dorsal root, more or less narrow distally. Gonostylus broad basally, abruptly curved medially, narrowing to blunt tip.Aedeagus V shaped, represented by two sclerites with stout basal arms, distal process elongated. Parameres with broad basal arms joined at mid portion, narrowing distally with minute fringing setae. Immatures. Unknown Larval habitat. Unknown Distribution. India (Darjeeling, West Bengal) Remarks. C. neoregalis resembles C. regalis in retaining pale area of wing base extending to posterior wing margin of anal cell, a constricted distal pale spot in anal cell but C. neoregalis varies in antennal ratio, palpal ratio, mandibular teeth (Table 1), larger, coalescing pale areas over wing, distal pale spot in cell r 3 broadly meeting wing margin, poststigmatic pale spot covering almost 2 nd radial cell and crossing vein M 1. C. pararegalis varies from C. neoregalis by having a reduced distal pale spot in cell r 3 and two separate, round distal pale spots in anal cell., Published as part of Sarkar, Ankita, Banerjee, Paramita, Sinha, Shuvra Kanti & Mazumdar, Abhijit, 2023, A taxonomic revision of the Indian species of the ' Aterinervis' group of Culicoides Latreille Subgenus Hoffmania Fox (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), pp. 405-428 in Zootaxa 5258 (4) on pages 412-414, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5258.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7784423, {"references":["Majumdar, B. C., Das Gupta, S. K. & Gangopadhyay, L. (1997) Some new species of Hoffmania Fox subgenus of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Darjeeling. Journal of Bengal Natural History Society, 16, 27 - 34.","Majumdar, B. C. (1972) Studies on Systematics and distribution of Culicoides midges (Ceratopogonidae: Diptera) of Eastern India. Ph. D. Thesis, The University of Calcutta, Calcutta, 263 pp.","Nandi, M. (2014) Revision of Indian species of the genus Culicoides Latreille, 1809 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Ph. D. Thesis, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, 325 pp."]}

Culicoides pararegalis Majumdar & Das Gupta (Fig 5a–i) Culicoides pararegalis Majumdar & Das Gupta, in Majumdar, Das Gupta & Gangopadhyay 1997: 28; Majumdar 1972: 165– 168; Nandi 2014: 92–93 Material examined. Holotype (1 ♀), Darjeeling Govt. College, 25.vi.1968, Coll. Dr. S.K. Das Gupta; 1 ♀, PHE camp, Neora Valley National Park, 14.iii.2021, Coll. S.K. Sinha. Diagnosis. Pale spot over r-m cross vein broad, extending to cell m 2; distal pale spot on cells r 3 and m 1 reduced, distant from wing margin; anal cell with two separated distal pale spots. Female. Head (Figs. 5a and 5b). Eyes contiguous, for 3 facets. Antenna with SCo on flagellomeres 1, 9–13; third palpal segment long, slender, numerous capitate sensilla, second segment long, with minute capitate sensilla, first, fourth and fifth segments short, fifth segment with 4 apical sensilla chaetica. Thorax (Fig. 5c). Brown with random dark markings; postscutellum brown. Legs (Figs 5d and 5e). Brownish; fore femora with pale apical bands, mid femora with narrow pale area at base, apex pale, hind femora basally pale, fore and mid tibia with broad pale band in basal half, hind tibia with pale basal and apical bands; hind tibial comb with 6 unequal spines, second one longest; spur tip frayed; claws equal. Wing (Fig. 5f). Pale area at wing base extending to posterior wing margin of anal cell; pale spot over r-m crossvein crossing vein M, continuous to cell m 2; a large poststigmatic pale spot including almost entire 2 nd radial cell expanded at wing margin, ending posteriorly before vein M 1; pale spot in cell r 3 reduced, not reaching wing margin, closer to vein M 1 than to wing margin; pale streak parallel to vein M 1; cell m 1 with a distal small, oval pale spot separated from wing margin; cell m 2 with additional two spots, one overlying over Cu fork, distal one larger, narrowly separated from wing margin; cell cua 1 with a pale spot extending to posterior wing margin, proximal portion of dark spot over vein CuA 2 expanded, posteriorly tapered; anal cell with two rounded distal spots. Abdomen ( Figs. 5h and 5i). Brownish with dark streaks; spermatheca two, well developed, ovoid, subequal, well sclerotized with short, oblique prominent necks; rudimentary one small, tubular; ring indistinct. Male. Unknown Immatures. Unknown Larval habitat. Unknown Distribution. India (Darjeeling, Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal) Remarks. C. pararegalis similar to C. regalis as pale area of wing base extending to posterior wing margin of anal cell and with a broad pale spot over r-m crossvein. Additionally, the morphometric data (Table 1) of these species overlaps suggesting that C. pararegalis may just be a variant of the more widespread C. regalis. The major difference between these species is the reduced distal pale spot in cell r 3 and two separate distal pale spots in anal cell of C. pararegalis, warrant further investigation to confirm the status of C. pararegalis.

Culicoides quasiregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta (Fig 7a–g) Culicoides quasiregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta, in Majumdar, Das Gupta & Gangopadhyay 1997: 30; Majumdar 1972: 180– 183; Nandi 2014:101–102 Materials examined. Holotype (1 ♀), Darjeeling Govt. College, August, 1968, Coll. Dr. S.K. Das Gupta. Diagnosis. Poststigmatic pale spot ended before vein M 1; anal cell with two separated proximal pale spots and narrowly constricted distal pale spot. Female. Head (Figs 7a and 7b). Eyes contiguous for 2 facets. Antenna with SCo on flagellomeres 1, 9–13. Third palpal segment long, slender with numerous capitate sensilla, without sensory pit; first, fourth, fifth segments short, stout; second segment long. Thorax (Fig. 7c). Brown; scutum with dark linear streaks; scutellum with 8 bristles; postscutellum brownish. Legs (Figs.7d and 7e). Brownish; fore femora with pale apical bands, mid femora with pale basal and apical bands, hind femora with basal band, fore and mid tibiae with broad pale basal bands, hind tibiae with pale broad basal and apical bands; hind tibial comb with 5 unequal spines, second from spur longest; spur tip frayed; claws equal. Wings (Fig. 7f). A clear dark marking on anal corner; pale spot on r-m crossvein extending distally to vein M; poststigmatic pale spot covering most of 2 nd radial cell, not reaching vein M 1; a large pale spot in cell r 3; cells m 1 and m 2 each with two spots; a pale streak bordering vein M 1; cell cua 1 with a triangular pale spot, extending from vein CuA 1 to wing margin; anal cell with a narrowly constricted distal pale spot. Abdomen (Fig. 7g). Brown with dark streaks; two well developed, brown, unequal, ovoid, spermathecae well sclerotized with short necks; rudimentary spermatheca small. Male. Unknown Immatures. Unknown Larval habitat. Unknown Distribution. India (Darjeeling, Kurseong, West Bengal) Remarks. C. quasiregalis most closely resembles C. pseudoregalis as both have grayish wing, hind tibial comb with 5 spines but the two species differ in antennal and palpal ratios (Table 1) and the presence of a discrete constricted distal pale spot in the anal cell.This character may be variable, assumed to be a variant of C. pseudoregalis but this requires further investigations.

Culicoides pseudoregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta (Fig 6a–h) Culicoides pseudoregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta, in Majumdar, Das Gupta & Gangopadhyay 1997: 30; Majumdar 1972: 176–180; Nandi 2014: 99–100 Materials examined. Holotype (1 ♀), Darjeeling Govt. College, 24.viii.1968, Coll. Dr. S.K. Das Gupta. 1 ♀, Bhotaykhadka, Neora Valley National Park, 19.x.2019, Coll. S. K. Sinha. Diagnosis. Poststigmatic pale spot ended before vein M 1; anal cell with two constricted proximal and distal hourglass shaped pale spots. Female. Head (Figs. 6a and 6b). Antenna with SCo on flagellomeres 1, 9–13; first flagellomere whitish at basal half, distal half brown, flagellomeres 2–13 brown. Third palpal segment long, slender with minute capitate sensilla, without sensory pit; first segment short, second segment stout, fourth, fifth segments short, 4 apical sensilla in fifth segment. Thorax (Fig. 6c). Brown; scutum with distinct median pale streak; scutellum dark; postscutellum dark brown. Legs (Figs. 6d and 6e). Brownish; fore and mid femora with pale apical bands, mid and hind femora with pale bases, fore and mid tibiae with broad basal bands, hind tibia with apical, basal pale band; hind tibial comb with 5 spines, second one longest; spur tip frayed; claws equal. Wing (Fig. 6f). Grayish; dark area at anal angle; pale spot over r-m crossvein narrow, reaching vein M; poststigmatic pale spot not reaching vein M 1; dark band apical to r-m crossvein broadly touching costal margin, continuous posteriorly to cell m 2; distal pale spot in cell r 3 not reaching wing margin; cell m 1 with an oval, distal pale spot distant from wing margin, dark streaks overlying vein M 1, distally with pale streaks; total three pale spots present in cell m 2, proximal pale spot present overlying Cu fork, next one confluent with pale spot in cell m 1 and third distal one touching wing margin; cell cua 1 with a large triangular pale spot touching wing margin, narrowly separated from vein CuA 2, anal cell with two narrowly constricted proximal and distal pale spots. Macrotrichia restricted to apical, posterior wing blade. Abdomen (Fig. 6h). Brownish with dark streaks; two well developed, unequal, oval spermathecae well sclerotized with prominent, straight necks; rudimentary spermatheca more or less bladder-like; sclerotized ring present. Male. Unknown. Immatures. Unknown Larval habitat. Unknown Distribution. India (Darjeeling, Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal) Remarks. C. pseudoregalis is similar in appearance to C. quasiregalis in having pale area at wing base extending to anal angle and a dark marking in the anal corner but differs slightly in antennal and palpal ratios and two constricted pale spots. These characters may represent intraspecific variability but this requires studying more specimens. This species differs from C. neoregalis and C. regalis in possessing a narrow pale spot over r-m crossvein, two narrowly constricted pale spots in anal cell, dark marking in anal corner. It is distinguished from C. pararegalis by possessing a higher antennal ratio, smaller palpal ratio (Table 1), hind tibial comb with 5 spines and a large distal pale spot in cell r 3., Published as part of Sarkar, Ankita, Banerjee, Paramita, Sinha, Shuvra Kanti & Mazumdar, Abhijit, 2023, A taxonomic revision of the Indian species of the ' Aterinervis' group of Culicoides Latreille Subgenus Hoffmania Fox (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), pp. 405-428 in Zootaxa 5258 (4) on pages 416-417, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5258.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7784423, {"references":["Majumdar, B. C., Das Gupta, S. K. & Gangopadhyay, L. (1997) Some new species of Hoffmania Fox subgenus of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Darjeeling. Journal of Bengal Natural History Society, 16, 27 - 34.","Majumdar, B. C. (1972) Studies on Systematics and distribution of Culicoides midges (Ceratopogonidae: Diptera) of Eastern India. Ph. D. Thesis, The University of Calcutta, Calcutta, 263 pp.","Nandi, M. (2014) Revision of Indian species of the genus Culicoides Latreille, 1809 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Ph. D. Thesis, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, 325 pp."]}

Culicoides isoregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta (Fig 3a–i) Culicoides isoregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta, in Majumdar, Das Gupta & Gangopadhyay 1997: 28; Majumdar 1972: 143–147; Nandi 2014: 88–90 Material examined. Holotype (1 ♀), Darjeeling Govt. College, August, 1968, Coll. P.K. Chaudhuri; Allotype (1 ♁), Darjeeling Govt. College, May, 1968, Coll. P.K. Chaudhuri. Diagnosis. The only species in the Aterinervis group with the following suite of characters: Poststigmatic pale spot not extending posteriorly to touch but not cross vein M 1; distal pale spot in cell m 1 narrow, elongate; triangular pale spot in cell cua 1; anal cell with elongate distal pale spot; posterior margin of tergum IX ending just before the apex of the gonocoxite. Female. Head (Figs. 3a, 3b and 3c). Antenna with SCo on flagellomeres 1, 9–13. Third palpal segment slender, medially swollen bearing capitate sensilla without sensory pit; second segment slender, first, fourth, fifth segments short, stout. Thorax. Scutum pale brown; lateral margin dark brown with two dark lateral, pale median streaks; postscutellum dark brown. Legs (Figs. 3d and 3e). Brownish; fore femora with pale apical and mid femora with basal and apical pale bands, fore and mid tibiae with basal pale bands, hind femora with pale basal bands, hind tibia with pale basal and apical bands; hind tibial comb with 6 spines, second longest; spur tip frayed; claws equal. Wing (Fig. 3f). Pale spot over r-m crossvein crossing vein M; distal portion of 2 nd radial cell included in pale triangular poststigmatic pale spot that does not extend to vein M 1; apical pale spot in cell r 3 not reaching wing margin; cell m 1 with two pale spots, distal one elongate, not reaching wing margin; distal pale spot in cell m 2 broadly reaching wing margin; triangular pale spot in cell cua 1 expanded at wing margin; dark spot parallel with vein CuA 2; dark marking in anal angle; distal pale spot broadly tapering to posterior wing margin. Macrotrichia numerous on distal part of the wing. Abdomen (Fig. 3g). Dark streaks on terga; spermatheca two, subequal, ovoid, well developed, brown with sclerotized, oblique necks; rudimentary spermatheca present; small ring present. Male. Similar to female with usual sexual differences. Genitalia (Figs. 3h and 3i). Caudomedian excavation shallow, U shaped. Tergum IX without apicolateral processes, posterior margin of tergum IX ending before the apex of the gonocoxite; gonocoxite with well developed dorsal root; gonostylus elongate, medially curved with blunt tip. Aedeagus V shaped with small, bent basal arms, stem broad at basal half, narrow end. Parameres with stout basal arms, stem broad basally. Immatures. Unknown Larval habitat. Unknown Distribution. India (Darjeeling, West Bengal) Remarks. C. isoregalis is similar to C. subregalis in possessing dark area at anal angle, pale spot over r-m crossvein narrow. It differs as it possesses an elongate distal pale spot in cell m 1, triangular pale spot in cell cua 1 and a pale brown scutum. These two species share many similarities and have overlapping morphometric data so may in fact be a single, variable species but this requires further validation to confirm. C. regalis is also similar to C. isoregalis but differs in antennal ratio, palpal ratio and in the number of mandibular teeth (Table 1), presence of pale spot over r-m crossvein broad, pale area of wing base extending to posterior wing margin of anal cell and distal pale spot of anal cell bilobed., Published as part of Sarkar, Ankita, Banerjee, Paramita, Sinha, Shuvra Kanti & Mazumdar, Abhijit, 2023, A taxonomic revision of the Indian species of the ' Aterinervis' group of Culicoides Latreille Subgenus Hoffmania Fox (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), pp. 405-428 in Zootaxa 5258 (4) on pages 410-412, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5258.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7784423, {"references":["Majumdar, B. C., Das Gupta, S. K. & Gangopadhyay, L. (1997) Some new species of Hoffmania Fox subgenus of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Darjeeling. Journal of Bengal Natural History Society, 16, 27 - 34.","Majumdar, B. C. (1972) Studies on Systematics and distribution of Culicoides midges (Ceratopogonidae: Diptera) of Eastern India. Ph. D. Thesis, The University of Calcutta, Calcutta, 263 pp.","Nandi, M. (2014) Revision of Indian species of the genus Culicoides Latreille, 1809 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Ph. D. Thesis, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, 325 pp."]}

Culicoides subregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta (Fig 9a–i) Culicoides subregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta, in Majumdar, Das Gupta & Gangopadhyay 1997: 31; Majumdar 1972: 228–232; Nandi 2014: 104–106 Materials examined. Holotype (1 ♀), Darjeeling Govt. College, 23.vi.1968, Coll. Dr. S.K. Das Gupta; Allotype (1 ♁), Darjeeling Govt. College, 09.vi.1968, Coll. Dr. S.K. Das Gupta; 12 ♀, 2 ♁, Bhotaykhadka, Neora Valley National Park, 19.x.2019, Coll. S.K. Sinha. Diagnosis. Broad dark band apical to r-m crossvein; indistinct pale spot anterior to Cu fork; anal cell with elongate distal pale spot; posterior margin of tergum IX terminating much before apex of gonocoxite. Female. Head (Figs. 9a and 9b). Antenna with SCo on flagellomeres 1, 9–13. Third palpal segment long, slender, tapering past middle bearing capitate sensilla, without sensory pit; fifth segment with 4 apical sensilla. Mandible with basal 4–5 teeth broad. Thorax. Scutum brown, anterior, posterior portion dark brown; humeral region pale; postscutellum dark brown. Legs (Figs 9c and 9d). Brownish; femora indistinctly pale at bases, fore and mid femora with pale apical bands, tibiae pale at bases; hind tibial comb with 5– 6 spines, second one longest; spur tip frayed; claws equal. Wing (Fig. 9f). Dark area at anal angle; pale spot over r-m crossvein narrow, crossing vein M; poststigmatic pale spot covering half of 2 nd radial cell, meeting costa but not reaching vein M 1, distal pale spot distinctly distant from apical wing margin; cell m 1 with an elongate distal pale spot distant from wing margin; cell m 2 with an indistinct pale spot anterior to Cu fork and distal pale spot broadly meeting wing margin; cell cua 1 with broad large pale spot extending posteriorly to wing margin; anal cell with a long distal pale spot, perpendicular to and continuous to posterior wing margin. Abdomen (Fig. 9g). Brownish with dark tergal streaks; spermatheca two, well developed, pear shaped, subequal, moderately sclerotized with distinct oblique necks; third rudimentary one finger like; small ring present. Male. Similar to female with usual sexual differences. Genitalia (Figs 9h and 9i). Sternum IX broad with shallow caudomedian excavation. Tergum IX quadrate with round apical margin, a narrow medial cleft, without apicolateral process; posterior margin of tergum IX terminating much before apex of gonocoxite. Gonocoxite broad basally, apex narrow with distinct dorsal root. Gonostylus dilated at base, slightly curved medially, ending in blunt tip. Aedeagus weakly sclerotized with short, bent basal arms. Parameres with sclerotized basal arms with broad base, stem dilated basally, gradually tapering. Immatures. Unknown Larval habitat. Unknown Distribution. India (Darjeeling, Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal) Remarks. This species differs from C. regalis in antennal ratio, width of the pale spot over r-m crossvein, extent of pale area at wing base to anal angle and the long distal pale spot in the anal cell. C. subregalis is closest to C. isoregalis and C. isoregalis seems to be a variant of this species as morphometric data of these two species overlap and but differs in scutal colour, elongated pale spot in cell m 1 and shape of pale spot in cell cua 1 that may be resulted due to intraspecific variation but status of these species need to be further strengthened by studying more specimens or by molecular approaches.

Culicoides pseudoregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta (Fig 6a–h) Culicoides pseudoregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta, in Majumdar, Das Gupta & Gangopadhyay 1997: 30; Majumdar 1972: 176–180; Nandi 2014: 99–100 Materials examined. Holotype (1 ♀), Darjeeling Govt. College, 24.viii.1968, Coll. Dr. S.K. Das Gupta. 1 ♀, Bhotaykhadka, Neora Valley National Park, 19.x.2019, Coll. S. K. Sinha. Diagnosis. Poststigmatic pale spot ended before vein M 1; anal cell with two constricted proximal and distal hourglass shaped pale spots. Female. Head (Figs. 6a and 6b). Antenna with SCo on flagellomeres 1, 9–13; first flagellomere whitish at basal half, distal half brown, flagellomeres 2–13 brown. Third palpal segment long, slender with minute capitate sensilla, without sensory pit; first segment short, second segment stout, fourth, fifth segments short, 4 apical sensilla in fifth segment. Thorax (Fig. 6c). Brown; scutum with distinct median pale streak; scutellum dark; postscutellum dark brown. Legs (Figs. 6d and 6e). Brownish; fore and mid femora with pale apical bands, mid and hind femora with pale bases, fore and mid tibiae with broad basal bands, hind tibia with apical, basal pale band; hind tibial comb with 5 spines, second one longest; spur tip frayed; claws equal. Wing (Fig. 6f). Grayish; dark area at anal angle; pale spot over r-m crossvein narrow, reaching vein M; poststigmatic pale spot not reaching vein M 1; dark band apical to r-m crossvein broadly touching costal margin, continuous posteriorly to cell m 2; distal pale spot in cell r 3 not reaching wing margin; cell m 1 with an oval, distal pale spot distant from wing margin, dark streaks overlying vein M 1, distally with pale streaks; total three pale spots present in cell m 2, proximal pale spot present overlying Cu fork, next one confluent with pale spot in cell m 1 and third distal one touching wing margin; cell cua 1 with a large triangular pale spot touching wing margin, narrowly separated from vein CuA 2, anal cell with two narrowly constricted proximal and distal pale spots. Macrotrichia restricted to apical, posterior wing blade. Abdomen (Fig. 6h). Brownish with dark streaks; two well developed, unequal, oval spermathecae well sclerotized with prominent, straight necks; rudimentary spermatheca more or less bladder-like; sclerotized ring present. Male. Unknown. Immatures. Unknown Larval habitat. Unknown Distribution. India (Darjeeling, Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal) Remarks. C. pseudoregalis is similar in appearance to C. quasiregalis in having pale area at wing base extending to anal angle and a dark marking in the anal corner but differs slightly in antennal and palpal ratios and two constricted pale spots. These characters may represent intraspecific variability but this requires studying more specimens. This species differs from C. neoregalis and C. regalis in possessing a narrow pale spot over r-m crossvein, two narrowly constricted pale spots in anal cell, dark marking in anal corner. It is distinguished from C. pararegalis by possessing a higher antennal ratio, smaller palpal ratio (Table 1), hind tibial comb with 5 spines and a large distal pale spot in cell r 3.

Subgenus Hoffmania Diagnosis (modified after Wirth & Hubert, 1989). Eyes bare, usually contiguous. Female antenna with sensilla coeloconica on flagellomeres 1, 9–13. Second hind tibial spine long, 1 st and 2 nd radial cell unequal; 2 nd radial cell long, broad, at least distal half included in poststigmatic pale spot; proximal pale spots in cell m 1 and m 2 confluent; base of Cu fork often pale bordered. Two ovoid spermatheca, tubular rudimentary one with short necks; sclerotized ring present. Male genitalia with small or without apicolateral processes. Gonocoxite with dorsal root; ventral root absent. Gonostylus curved usually with rounded or hooked tip. Aedeagus usually with basal arm and anterior margin often with sclerotized rim, narrow stem and slender distally. Parameres with short basal arm often joined medially and distally with minute fringing setae. Aterinervis group Majumdar1972:40;Majumdar & Das Gupta, in Majumdar, Das Gupta & Gangopadhyay1997:29 Included species: Culicoides aterinervis; C. isoregalis; C. neoregalis; C. pararegalis; C. pseudoregalis; C. quasiregalis; C. regalis; C. subregalis Diagnosis. The following features distinguish species in the Aterinervis Group from all other species of C. subg. Hoffmania: Medium to large size. Basal half of proximal flagellomeres whitish, distal half brownish, distal segments brown. Third palpal segment without sensory pit, scattered sensilla on palpal segments. Fore femora with apical bands, mid femora with basal, apical pale bands, fore and mid tibiae with basal pale bands, hind femora with basal pale bands, hind tibiae pale on both ends. Spur tip frayed. Wing with pale spot over r-m crossvein meeting anterior wing margin and including proximal half of 1 st radial cell, distally extending to cell m. Macrotrichia scant. Halter pale. Cerci whitish, discoidal. Parameres separate, terminating in a filamentous spinose tip with 3–4 fringing setae., Published as part of Sarkar, Ankita, Banerjee, Paramita, Sinha, Shuvra Kanti & Mazumdar, Abhijit, 2023, A taxonomic revision of the Indian species of the ' Aterinervis' group of Culicoides Latreille Subgenus Hoffmania Fox (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), pp. 405-428 in Zootaxa 5258 (4) on page 408, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5258.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7784423, {"references":["Wirth, W. W. & Hubert, A. A. (1989) The Culicoides of South East Asia (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Memoirs of the American Entomological Institute, 44, 1 - 508.","Majumdar, B. C. (1972) Studies on Systematics and distribution of Culicoides midges (Ceratopogonidae: Diptera) of Eastern India. Ph. D. Thesis, The University of Calcutta, Calcutta, 263 pp.","Majumdar, B. C., Das Gupta, S. K. & Gangopadhyay, L. (1997) Some new species of Hoffmania Fox subgenus of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Darjeeling. Journal of Bengal Natural History Society, 16, 27 - 34."]}

Culicoides quasiregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta (Fig 7a–g) Culicoides quasiregalis Majumdar & Das Gupta, in Majumdar, Das Gupta & Gangopadhyay 1997: 30; Majumdar 1972: 180– 183; Nandi 2014:101–102 Materials examined. Holotype (1 ♀), Darjeeling Govt. College, August, 1968, Coll. Dr. S.K. Das Gupta. Diagnosis. Poststigmatic pale spot ended before vein M 1; anal cell with two separated proximal pale spots and narrowly constricted distal pale spot. Female. Head (Figs 7a and 7b). Eyes contiguous for 2 facets. Antenna with SCo on flagellomeres 1, 9–13. Third palpal segment long, slender with numerous capitate sensilla, without sensory pit; first, fourth, fifth segments short, stout; second segment long. Thorax (Fig. 7c). Brown; scutum with dark linear streaks; scutellum with 8 bristles; postscutellum brownish. Legs (Figs.7d and 7e). Brownish; fore femora with pale apical bands, mid femora with pale basal and apical bands, hind femora with basal band, fore and mid tibiae with broad pale basal bands, hind tibiae with pale broad basal and apical bands; hind tibial comb with 5 unequal spines, second from spur longest; spur tip frayed; claws equal. Wings (Fig. 7f). A clear dark marking on anal corner; pale spot on r-m crossvein extending distally to vein M; poststigmatic pale spot covering most of 2 nd radial cell, not reaching vein M 1; a large pale spot in cell r 3; cells m 1 and m 2 each with two spots; a pale streak bordering vein M 1; cell cua 1 with a triangular pale spot, extending from vein CuA 1 to wing margin; anal cell with a narrowly constricted distal pale spot. Abdomen (Fig. 7g). Brown with dark streaks; two well developed, brown, unequal, ovoid, spermathecae well sclerotized with short necks; rudimentary spermatheca small. Male. Unknown Immatures. Unknown Larval habitat. Unknown Distribution. India (Darjeeling, Kurseong, West Bengal) Remarks. C. quasiregalis most closely resembles C. pseudoregalis as both have grayish wing, hind tibial comb with 5 spines but the two species differ in antennal and palpal ratios (Table 1) and the presence of a discrete constricted distal pale spot in the anal cell.This character may be variable, assumed to be a variant of C. pseudoregalis but this requires further investigations., Published as part of Sarkar, Ankita, Banerjee, Paramita, Sinha, Shuvra Kanti & Mazumdar, Abhijit, 2023, A taxonomic revision of the Indian species of the ' Aterinervis' group of Culicoides Latreille Subgenus Hoffmania Fox (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), pp. 405-428 in Zootaxa 5258 (4) on pages 417-418, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5258.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7784423, {"references":["Majumdar, B. C., Das Gupta, S. K. & Gangopadhyay, L. (1997) Some new species of Hoffmania Fox subgenus of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Darjeeling. Journal of Bengal Natural History Society, 16, 27 - 34.","Majumdar, B. C. (1972) Studies on Systematics and distribution of Culicoides midges (Ceratopogonidae: Diptera) of Eastern India. Ph. D. Thesis, The University of Calcutta, Calcutta, 263 pp.","Nandi, M. (2014) Revision of Indian species of the genus Culicoides Latreille, 1809 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Ph. D. Thesis, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, 325 pp."]}

Key to the Indian species of Aterinervis group 1. Anal angle of wing entirely pale......................................................................... 2 -. Anal angle of wing with dark marking..................................................................... 4 2. Distal pale spot in cell r 3 reaches wing margin........................................................ neoregalis - Distal pale spot in cell r 3 not reaches wing margin........................................................... 3 3. Distal pale spot in cell r 3 large; anal cell with a constricted distal pale spot.................................... regalis - Distal pale spot in cell r reduced; anal cell with two separated distal pale spots............................ pararegalis 3 4. Anal cell with proximal pale spot narrowly constricted medially...................................... pseudoregalis - Anal cell with proximal pale spot not constricted medially..................................................... 5 5. Distal pale spot in cell m 1 reaching wing margin............................................................. 6 - Distal pale spot in cell m 1 not reaching wing margin................................................. quasiregalis 6. Distal pale spot in cell m 1 narrow, elongate; posterior margin of tergum IX terminating just before apex of gonocoxite.................................................................................................. isoregalis - Distal pale spot in cell m 1 broad, short; posterior margin of tergum IX terminating much before apex of gonocoxite..................................................................................................... subregalis, Published as part of Sarkar, Ankita, Banerjee, Paramita, Sinha, Shuvra Kanti & Mazumdar, Abhijit, 2023, A taxonomic revision of the Indian species of the ' Aterinervis' group of Culicoides Latreille Subgenus Hoffmania Fox (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), pp. 405-428 in Zootaxa 5258 (4) on pages 425-426, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5258.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7784423

Culicoides regalis Majumdar & Das Gupta (Fig 8a–i) Culicoides regalis Majumdar & Das Gupta, in Majumdar, Das Gupta & Gangopadhyay 1997: 31; Majumdar 1972: 188–192; Nandi 2014: 102–104 Materials examined. Holotype (1 ♀), Darjeeling Govt. College, 27.v.1968, Coll. Dr. S.K. Das Gupta; Allotype (1 ♁), Darjeeling Govt. College, 21.vi.1968, Coll. Dr. S.K. Das Gupta; 13 ♀, PHE camp, Neora Valley National Park, 14.iii.2021, Coll. S.K. Sinha; 2 ♁ Bhotaykhadka, Neora Valley National Park, 19.x.2019, Coll. S.K. Sinha. Diagnosis. Antenna with SCo on flagellomeres 1, (9,10), 11–13; mandible with basal 4 broad, outwardly directed teeth; pale spot over r-m cross vein broad, extending to cell m 2; broad dark band apical to r-m crossvein continuous to cell m; poststigmatic pale spot separated from vein M 1, distal pale spot confluent with vein M 1; anal cell with constricted distal pale spot. Female. Head (Figs 8a and 8b). Eyes contiguous for 3 facets. Antenna with SCo on flagellomeres 1, (9, 10), 11–13. Third palpal segment long, slender tapering beyond the mid point with numerous capitate sensilla and without sensory pit; fifth segment with 4 apical sensilla. Mandible with basal 4 broad, outwardly directed teeth. Thorax. Scutum brownish with distinct dark brown anterior and posterior margin; 3 longitudinally dark linear streaks; postscutellum dark. Legs (Figs. 8c and 8d). Brownish; fore and mid femora with pale basal, apical bands, hind femora with pale basal band, fore and mid tibiae with basal pale band, hind tibia with distinct basal and apical bands; hind tibial comb with 6–7 spines, second one long; spur tip frayed; claws equal. Wing (Fig. 8e). Pale area covering wing base, base of veins and proximal half of anal cell extending to posterior wing margin; pale spot over r-m crossvein reaching vein M, continuous to cell m, above Cu fork; poststigmatic pale spot covering almost entire 2 nd radial cell and extending broadly to wing margin, sometimes reaching vein M 1 posteriorly, confluent with proximal pale spots of cells m 1 and m 2; cell r 3 distal pale spot distant from wing margin, near to vein M 1; vein M 1 bordered by pale streak; cell m 1 with a distal small oval spot not reaching wing margin; cell m 2 with two spots, one anterior to Cu fork, the distal one large meeting with wing margin; cell cua 1 with a pale spot extending to posterior wing margin, touching vein CuA 1; proximal portion of dark spot over vein CuA 2 broad, narrowing posteriorly; anal cell with broad, medially constricted distal pale spot, some with two separated spots. Abdomen (Fig. 8g). Brownish with dark streaks; two well developed, ovoid, subequal spermatheca well sclerotized with short oblique necks; tubular rudimentary spermatheca small; small sclerotized ring present. Male. Similar to female with usual sexual differences. Genitalia (Figs. 8h and 8i). Sternum IX broad with depressed caudal margin. Tergum IX without apicolateral process; posterior margin of tergum IX terminating before apex of gonocoxite. Gonocoxite broad basally, narrowing apically with distinct dorsal root. Gonostylus dilated at base, curved medially, terminating with a blunt tip. Aedeagus weakly sclerotized with short, bent basal arms, stem ending with tubular round tip. Parameres broad basally with basal arms, stem dilated, gradually tapering. Immatures. Unknown Larval habitat. Unknown Distribution. India (Darjeeling, Tindharia, Kurseong, Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal) Remarks. This widespread species resembles C. isoregalis but differs in having a broad pale spot at base of wing extending to posterior wing margin in anal cell and presence of a constricted bilobed distal pale spot in anal cell. This species shows similarity with C. neoregalis but varies in antennal ratio, palpal ratio (Table 1), presence of many pale areas in wings, pale spot over cell 2 nd radial cell straddling over vein M 1, aedeagus terminating in more bulbous tip in C. neoregalis. C. regalis looks alike C. pararegalis have overlapping morphometric data but differs from this in having a larger pale spot in cell r 3 and a single, constricted distal pale spot in anal cell. These characters may be variable therefore C. pararegalis so may in fact be a single, variable species but this requires further validation to confirm. Majumdar (1972) mentioned variability of SCo on segments 5-8 in C. regalis and also absent on flagellomeres 9 and 10 in specimens collected from NVNP., Published as part of Sarkar, Ankita, Banerjee, Paramita, Sinha, Shuvra Kanti & Mazumdar, Abhijit, 2023, A taxonomic revision of the Indian species of the ' Aterinervis' group of Culicoides Latreille Subgenus Hoffmania Fox (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), pp. 405-428 in Zootaxa 5258 (4) on page 419, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5258.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7784423, {"references":["Majumdar, B. C., Das Gupta, S. K. & Gangopadhyay, L. (1997) Some new species of Hoffmania Fox subgenus of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Darjeeling. Journal of Bengal Natural History Society, 16, 27 - 34.","Majumdar, B. C. (1972) Studies on Systematics and distribution of Culicoides midges (Ceratopogonidae: Diptera) of Eastern India. Ph. D. Thesis, The University of Calcutta, Calcutta, 263 pp.","Nandi, M. (2014) Revision of Indian species of the genus Culicoides Latreille, 1809 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Ph. D. Thesis, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, 325 pp."]}

In this paper, we consider center-based clustering problems where C, the set of points to be clustered, lies in a metric space (X,d), and the set X of candidate centers is potentially infinite-sized. We call such problems continuous clustering problems to differentiate them from the discrete clustering problems where the set of candidate centers is explicitly given. It is known that for many objectives, when one restricts the set of centers to C itself and applies an α_dis-approximation algorithm for the discrete version, one obtains a β ⋅ α_{dis}-approximation algorithm for the continuous version via the triangle inequality property of the distance function. Here β depends on the objective, and for many objectives such as k-median, β = 2, while for some others such as k-means, β = 4. The motivating question in this paper is whether this gap of factor β between continuous and discrete problems is inherent, or can one design better algorithms for continuous clustering than simply reducing to the discrete case as mentioned above? In a recent SODA 2021 paper, Cohen-Addad, Karthik, and Lee prove a factor-2 and a factor-4 hardness, respectively, for the continuous versions of the k-median and k-means problems, even when the number of cluster centers is a constant. The discrete problem for a constant number of centers is easily solvable exactly using enumeration, and therefore, in certain regimes, the "β-factor loss" seems unavoidable. In this paper, we describe a technique based on the round-or-cut framework to approach continuous clustering problems. We show that, for the continuous versions of some clustering problems, we can design approximation algorithms attaining a better factor than the β-factor blow-up mentioned above. In particular, we do so for: the uncapacitated facility location problem with uniform facility opening costs (λ-UFL); the k-means problem; the individually fair k-median problem; and the k-center with outliers problem. Notably, for λ-UFL, where β = 2 and the discrete version is NP-hard to approximate within a factor of 1.27, we describe a 2.32-approximation for the continuous version, and indeed 2.32 < 2 × 1.27. Also, for k-means, where β = 4 and the best known approximation factor for the discrete version is 9, we obtain a 32-approximation for the continuous version, which is better than 4 × 9 = 36. The main challenge one faces is that most algorithms for the discrete clustering problems, including the state of the art solutions, depend on Linear Program (LP) relaxations that become infinite-sized in the continuous version. To overcome this, we design new linear program relaxations for the continuous clustering problems which, although having exponentially many constraints, are amenable to the round-or-cut framework., LIPIcs, Vol. 244, 30th Annual European Symposium on Algorithms (ESA 2022), pages 33:1-33:15

We consider the hospital-residents problem where both hospitals and residents can have lower quotas. The input is a bipartite graph G = (���������,E), each vertex in ��������� has a strict preference ordering over its neighbors. The sets ��� and ��� denote the sets of residents and hospitals respectively. Each hospital has an upper and a lower quota denoting the maximum and minimum number of residents that can be assigned to it. Residents have upper quota equal to one, however, there may be a requirement that some residents must not be left unassigned in the output matching. We call this as the residents' lower quota. We show that whenever the set of matchings satisfying all the lower and upper quotas is non-empty, there always exists a matching that is popular among the matchings in this set. We give a polynomial-time algorithm to compute such a matching., LIPIcs, Vol. 213, 41st IARCS Annual Conference on Foundations of Software Technology and Theoretical Computer Science (FSTTCS 2021), pages 30:1-30:21