The genusPolypedilumKieffer (Chironomidae) was first described in 1912 and not 1913 as was previously supposed. The type designation ofPolypedilum emarginatumKieffer, 1913 (=nubeculosumMeigen, 1818) is invalid as it was not one of the species included in the first citation ofPolypedilum.A new type‐species for the genusPolypedilumis designated from the two original species. The taxonomic concept of the genusPolypedilumis not altered by the change in type‐species.