Xiphocentron (Xiphocentron) chiapasi, new species

Figs. 7–8

This first fossil species of the genus Xiphocentron from Mexico is characterized by the male genitalia and differs from recent species by the pair of long mesal, spines of sternum IX.

Adult. Length of forewing 3.1 mm (holotype), 3.2 mm (paratype). General structure and forewing venation typical for genus (Figs. 7, 8 A). Tibial spurs 2, 4, 3; hind leg with 2 preapical spurs and single, modified apical spur (Fig. 8 D).

Male genitalia (Figs. 8 B, 8C). Sternum IX apically with pair of long mesal spines. Inferior appendage slender, curving evenly dorsad and mesad, inner surface of broad middle section with brush of black setae (characteristic of subgenus Xiphocentron), apical section with elongate spine angled mesad and dorsad; both inferior appendages touch apically (holotype, Fig. 8 B) or intersect at the apical spines (paratype, Fig. 8 C). Phallus slender, tubular, open at apex, extending about 2/3 as far as preanal appendage or inferior appendage.

Holotype male: Embedded in Mexican amber in the collection of G.O. Poinar, Jr., Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA, collection no.: TR 2–10. Paratype: Embedded in Mexican amber in the amber collection of the Instituto de Historia Natural y Ecologia, Museum of Paleontology, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, collection no.: IHNFA 0 28, male.

Etymology: Named for the Mexican state where the amber was found.