Corynoptera heterochela Steffan, 1969

Broadley, Adam, Kauschke, Ellen & Mohrig, Werner, 2019, Revision of the black fungus gnat species (Diptera: Sciaridae) described by W. A. Steffan from Micronesia, Zootaxa 4683 (2), pp. 215-241 : 221

Corynoptera heterochela Steffan, 1969

( Fig. 5 A–B, 6 A–E)

Corynoptera heterochela Steffan, 1969 [ Steffan (1969): 697 –699, fig. 11 a–j].

Material studied: Holotype: Male. 19.i.1953, Micronesia, Caroline Islands, Ponape I., Mt Temwetemwensekir , 180 m, light trap, leg. J.L. Gressitt ( BPBM 8224 ) . Paratypes: 3 males, same data as holotype ( BPBM) ; 1 male, 1 female, 12.i.1953, Ponape Island, light trap, leg. J.L. Gressitt (male in PWMP) .

Conservation status: Body and head separated, both strongly deformed by dehydration of the Hoyer’s medium, air inclusion and turbidities. The paratypes are not so strongly deformed and allow a better interpretation of the morphological characters.

Comments. The morphological details are difficult to interpret. We agree with Steffan that the species belongs to the genus Corynoptera by one bristle on the basal segment of the 3-segmented palpus, rather long bristles on the scutum, the wing venation and the shape and armature of the gonostylus with 4 strong apical spines, two more dorsally located. The teeth of the claws are not so typical for the genus and are similar to Corynoptera species from New Zealand ( Mohrig & Jaschhof 1999). It could belong to the C. spinifera group according to Menzel & Mohrig (2000). Nevertheless, the taxonomic position of this species is not certain and another interpretation, different to the one given here, might be possible.

Distribution. Caroline Islands (Pohnpei I.).

Figures

FIGURE 5 A–B. Corynoptera heterochela Steffan, 1969. Holotype.A. Hypopygium; B. Flagellomeres 2-4 (medium turbid and with included air).