Itauara cristata sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 63D69058-6934-4203-B925-E9A498AD3994

Fig. 5

Differential diagnosis

This species belongs to the amazonica species group and is known only from the holotype. In the phylogenetic analysis, this new species was recovered as sister group to the clade of ( brasiliana group + ( I. bispinata sp. nov. + I. caparao sp. nov.)). Itauara cristata sp. nov. is most similar to I. alexanderi Robertson & Holzenthal, 2011 and I. stella Robertson & Holzenthal, 2011 . The tergum X of these three species has many similarities in general aspect, including the processes of the dorsomesal and ventrolateral margins. The main difference among these species is the phallicata apex. In I. cristata, this structure is broad, as in I. alexanderi, but it is unique in the new species by the presence of a sclerotized dorsal crest (Fig. 5B–C). The parameres of I. stella and I. alexanderi are much more outwardly directed apically than in the new species. Moreover, in I. cristata, the segment IX is subtriangular, being more rounded in I. alexanderi, and parameres exceed half the length of the phallicata (Fig. 5A, D), while in I. alexanderi they are much shorter.

Etymology

From Latin ‘ crista ’ (‘crest’), and ‘- ata ’ (‘possession’), in reference to the sclerotized crest present dorsally on phallicata apex.

Material examined

Holotype BRAZIL • ♂; Minas Gerais, Morro do Pilar, Estrada de terra para Cachoeira do Pica-pau, afluente do Rio Picão; 19°14′25.9″ S, 43°24′06.8″ W; alt. 669 m; 7–15 Jan. 2021; A.A. Alves, L. Hoehne, A.S. Freitas and E.J. Oliveira-Jr leg.; Malaise trap; DZRJ 7641.

Description

Adult

Length of each forewing 2.6 mm (n = 1). Head, thorax, and appendages, in alcohol, dark brown. Forewings covered with dark brown setae, slightly broad after anastomosis, with anterior and posterior margins approximately parallel, apex slightly rounded; forks I, II, and III present; Sc and R1 veins not fused; fork I sessile; forks II and III petiolate, with stem longer than fork; Cu1 vein complete, reaching wing margin; Cu1 and Cu2 veins separating on the anastomosis; Cu2 vein with row of erect setae; A3 vein absent; crossveins constituting relatively straight transverse line; Rs vein shorter than discoidal cell. Hind wings with anterior and posterior margins approximately parallel, with apical portion tapered; forks II and V present; Sc and R1 veins converging very near to wing margin; A2 vein absent. Spur formula 1, 4,4, foretibial spur reduced and hairlike. Sternum VI with digitate process present, with acute apex.

Male genitalia

Preanal appendages absent. Segment IX subtriangular, ventrally narrow, broad medially; anterior margin rounded; posterolateral margin slightly sclerotized. Tergum X partially fused to tergum IX; dorsomesal margin with single, slightly downturned process (Fig. 5A, C); dorsolateral margin slightly irregular, without processes (Fig. 5A, C); ventrolateral margin with paired, broad flange-like setose process, divided into digitate upper lobe and subtrapezoidal lower lobe (Fig. 5A). Inferior appendages present as singlesetose process, apically bifid, assymetrical (left apex shorter than right), broader at base, ventrolaterally with small digitate lobes, each one bearing an apical seta (Fig. 5A, D). Parameres present, paired, inserted in membranous lobe, arising laterally from endotheca, sclerotized and rod-like, sinuous, apex pointed and slightly downturned in lateral view (Fig. 5A), outwardly directed in ventral view (Fig. 5D). Phallobase reduced, slightly sclerotized. Phallicata forming long, sclerotized, dorsal sheath extending from phallobase, broad basally, ventrolaterally with pair of sclerotized flanges (Fig. 5A, D), medial portion straight, apical portion broad and dorsally with short and rounded crest (Fig. 5B–C). Endophallus membranous, enlarged and convoluted (Fig. 5A).

Female and immatures

Unknown.

Distribution

Brazil (state of Minas Gerais [municipality of Morro do Pilar]).