Nicephora

Wang, Hanqiang, Li, Miaomiao, Liu, Xianwei & Li, Kai, 2013, Review of genus Nicephora Bolívar (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae, Meconematinae), Zootaxa 3737 (2), pp. 154-166 : 159-161

Nicephora ? hakgallae Henry, 1932

( Figs. 18–22 )

Nicephora hakgallae Henry, 1932 . Ceylon Sci. J. (Biol. Sci.), 16(3): 252.

Description. Male. Fastigium of vertex short, rounded at the tip, with distinct dorsal groove. The last joint of maxillary palpi shorter than preceding. Pronotum short and lateral lobe shallower, hind margin elliptically rounded ( Fig. 18 ). Tegmina reaches the last segment of the abdomen, apex obliquely rounded, venation well developed ( Fig. 18 ). Fore tibiae with spines armed 3, 2 (1, 1). 10th abdominal tergite very large and broad, with hind margin concave in the middle, lobes with sinuate margin ( Fig. 20 ). Cerci similar in type to N.? forficulata , more robust, sub-anal lamina larger ( Figs. 20–22 ). Subgenital plate narrow, base wider, infra part tapered, but not needle like, apex rounded. Styli separate on both sides ( Fig. 22 ).

Female. Fastigium of vertex is rather short and blunt, tegmina are shorter ( Fig. 19 ). 10th abdomen tergite with hind margin concave, epiproct circular and medially grooved. Cerci short and conical. Subgenital plate hind margin like a rounded right angle. Ovipositor is short, gently curved and evenly tapered.

Coloration. Delicate pale green in life, unmarked. Specimens are dirty yellowish brown.

Measurement. (length in mm) Body: ♂8.0, ♀12.5 (including ovipositor); pronotum: ♂3.5, ♀3.0; tegmina: ♂4.3, ♀3.1; hind femora: ♂6.1, ♀6.6; ovipositor: ♀5.75.

Discussion. This species is quite similar to N.? forficulata , but differs in sub-anal lamina and male genitalia. Those 2 Sri Lanka species show great differences with others. We deem they belong to another genus.

Distribution. Sri Lanka (Hakgalla).

Figures

FIGURES 18 – 22. Nicephora? hakgallae Henry, 1932 (after Henry). 18. Male body, dorsal view; 19. Female body, lateral view; 20. Tip of male abdomen, dorsal lateral view; 21. Tip of male abdomen, lateral view; 22. Tip of male abdomen, hind view.