The Raphidiidae of Eastern Asia (Insecta, Neuropterida, Raphidioptera)

A review on the Raphidiidae of Eastern Asia is presented. The following nine species have been recorded from the region: Xanthostigma xanthostigma (Schummel) (Far East of Russia), X. gobicola U. Aspöck & H. Aspöck (China), Mongoloraphidia (Japanoraphidia) harmandi (Navás) (Japan: Honshu), M. (Formosoraphidia) formosana (Okamoto) (Taiwan), M. (F.) taiwanica U. Aspöck & H. Aspöck (Taiwan). M. (F.) caelebs H. Aspöck & U. Aspöck & Rausch (Taiwan). Mongoloraphidia pudica H. Aspöck & U. Aspöck & Rausch (Far East of Russia, South Korea), Mongoloraphidia xiyue (Yang & Chou) (China: Shaanxi Province), and Mongoloraphidia choui n. sp. (China: Shaanxi Province). The male of M. pudica, both sexes of M. xiyue, both sexes of M. choui and the female of M. caelebs are described and illustrated. The systematic positions of M. pudica and M. xiyue, hitherto unresolved, are clarified. They are closely related to each other and possibly comprise the sister taxon of M. (J.) harmandi. There are also clear relationships between these species and the three Taiwanese species, and to Mongoloraphidia choui. It is suggested that these 7 species form a monophyletic group that may have to be removed from Mongoloraphidia H. Aspöck & U. Aspöck. Eastern Asia certainly harbours more species of the family. The whole region and China, in particular, remains largely unexplored with respect to snakeflies.