Mirophasma cf cirsium Redtenbacher, 1906

Murcia, Andres David & Cadena-Castañeda, Oscar J., 2023, The stick insects (Insecta: Phasmatodea) from the Cloud Forest of the Chicaque Natural Park, Colombia, Insecta Mundi 2023 (20), pp. 1-45 : 31-32

Mirophasma cf cirsium Redtenbacher, 1906

( Fig. 28 )

Comments. Two immature specimens were found on moss, where they chromatically blend with the background, being almost unnoticed ( Fig. 28B ); for this reason, few specimens were found. They occasionally were seen on dry leaves when they moved, becoming exposed due to their coloration and ornamentation ( Fig. 28A ). These bryophytomorphic species can use mosses as biological corridors that facilitate their dispersion through the forest in mountainous ecosystems ( Gutiérrez et al. 2014).

Previously, the locality of the species Mirophasma cirsium was unknown; it was only recorded for Colombia ( Redtenbacher, 1906). But with our results, this species possibly occurs in the center of Colombia on the eastern Andes, in Cundinamarca, municipality of San Antonio del Tequendama 2220–2430 m. It is necessary to collect adults to corroborate the identity of the specimens studied.

Measurements (mm). ♂ / ♀ TL:19/19, Pr:2.5/2.5, Ms:4/4, Mt: 2.5/2.5, Pf:4.5/5, Mf: 5/6, Hf: 6/7, Pt: 4/6, Mt: 5/6, Ht: 6/7, Ant: 7/3.

Distribution. Colombia, Cundinamarca, Chicaque Natural Park.

Specimens examined. 1 male and 1 female, both immatures: 1♀ 4°36′32″N 74°18′19″W 2513 m. 28 January 2017. 1♂ 4°37′05″N 74°18′47″W 2230 m. 30 July 2018 (CAUD).

Figures

Figure 28. Mirophasma cf cirsium female immature. A) In lateral view on a leave. B) In dorsal view on bryophytes.