Acritoptila forficata, Wells, Alice & Johanson, Kjell Arne, 2014

Wells, Alice & Johanson, Kjell Arne, 2014, Review of the New Caledonian species of Acritoptila Wells, 1982 (Trichoptera, Insecta), with descriptions of 3 new species, ZooKeys 397, pp. 1-23 : 14-16

Acritoptila forficata sp. n. Figs 18, 19, 35

Diagnosis.

Superficially, males of Acritoptila forficata resemble those of Acritoptila parallela sp. n., having similar elongate lateral lobes on abdominal segment IX. However, Acritoptila forficata has prominent forked parameres, rather than the fine filaments that characterize Acritoptila parallela and in that feature resemble Acritoptila planichela , although the parameres are more slender, and their forks more pronounced; Acritoptila planichela lacks lateral lobes on abdominal segment IX.

Description.

Male antennae each with 29-31 flagellomeres, with large sensilla placodea on surfaces; forewing length 2.1-2.3 mm (n = 3). Male genitalia (Figs 18, 19). Abdominal segment VII bearing a slender elongate process mid-ventrally. Abdominal segment IX in ventral view laterally produced posteriorly to form prominent lateral lobes. Gonopods and subgenital processes appear to be fused to form a rounded structure, apico-laterally rounded. Paired forked spiny parameres arise from stout apodemes. Phallic apparatus slender medially, dilated towards apex, a strap-like twist apically. Female unknown.

Material examined.

Holotype male (on slide): New Caledonia, Province Sud, Monts des Koghis, ca 800 m S Koghi Restaurant, 22.18406°S, 166.50383°E, 420 m, 11-26.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#022, KAJ (MNHP); Paratypes: 2 males, Province Nord, Mt Panié, stream at camp, 20.58139°S, 164.76444°E, 1310 m, 9.xii.2003-2.i.2004, Malaise trap, loc#074, KAJ (NHRS).

Etymology.

Named for the forked appearance of the parameres.

Remarks.

Only 3 specimens of this species are known, from two widely separated localities, one in the south, the other in the north.