Sisyra cameroonensis, Oliver S. Flint, 2012

Oliver S. Flint, Jr., 2012, New species, records, and a synonymy of African Sisyridae (Neuroptera, Insecta Mundi 2012 (223), pp. 1-6 : 2

Sisyra cameroonensis n.sp.

( Figures 1, 2, 8)

Comments. Of the described African species of Sisyra for which the male is known, this species seems clearly related to both S. afra and S. delicata . Both have rather short, broad coxopodites with apical points and some enlarged setae. However, they differ in the arrangement of the enlarged setae and they have an apicomesal frilled lobe that is lacking in S. cameroonensis .

Unfortunately, I was unable to completely clear the genitalia, and thus, some of the structures are not well delineated. Because it has been in alcohol for over 35 years, any colors it might have had have undoubtedly faded.

The females collected at the same locality as the type are associated with this species based on their wing venation being identical to the males, but their genitalia are not described due to their poor condition.

Description. Male: Forewing length 4mm. Preserved in 80% ethyl alcohol, almost uniformly brown. Antenna with 29 segments, 20 basal segments (including scape and pedicel) dark brown, next segment intermediate in color, 8 terminal segments pale. Head and body light brown. Wings light brown; all cells with darkened stripe in center (Fig. 8). Forewing with 2 radial crossveins; Rs with only 2 forks; no crossvein between R 3 and R 4, with strong crossvein between R 4 andR 5; R 1 clearly forked apically, each branch ending in 1 or 2 short marginal forks; R 2, R 3, and R 4 not forked apically, each ending in a short, marginal fork; R 5 with a deep apical fork, each branch ending in a short fork at margin; Cu 1 with a slightly elongated marginal fork and 2 more basal branches reaching wing margin. Male genitalia ( Fig. 1, 2): Eighth sternite not apparent, but sternum a large trianguloid lobe. Epiproct not clearly distinguishable from membrane. Gonarcus a dark band connecting bases of coxopodites, and extending anteriad from their mesal bases. Parameres not seen. Coxopodite about twice as long as broad; in lateral aspect slightly curved apicodorsad, tapering to a sharp apical point; in dorsal aspect tapering to a sharp apical point, with a small, pointed seta apicomesally (making the tip of the coxopodite appear as two points); with 2 large and 1 small setae arising from enlarged bases on dorsal surface, mesal margin with 1 very large seta; basomesally convexly curved with a row of short mesal setae; outer margin with 2 slightly enlarged setae; bulging basolaterally.

Type material. Holotype, male: CAMEROON: [Centre Prov.] Libamba , 10km E Makak [3 o 37’N, 11 o 2’E], 10-11 Jan 1974, J.A. Gruwell, at black light ( NMNH) . Paratypes: Same data, 1M ( NMNH) ; same, but 15 Dec 1973, at black light, 1F ( NMNH), same, but 12-13 May 1974, filtered back light, 1F ( NMNH) .

Etymology. The species is named after the country of its origin.