Rhyacopsyche obliqua Flint

Fig. 22

Rhyacopsyche obliqua Flint, 1971:523 [Type locality: Mexico, Veracruz, Fortin de las Flores; NMNH; male; female].

This species somewhat resembles R. peruviana . They both possess an elongate, apically bifid inferior appendage. However, the inferior appendage of R. obliqua is distinct with its truncate and somewhat clavate apex.

Adult (male n=10, female n=10). Forewing length 2.5–3.3, 2.9 mm (male), 3.0–3.6, 3.3 mm (female). Color in alcohol, brown. Sternum VII without apicomesal point.

Male genitalia. Abdominal segment IX heavily setose, anterior margin slightly rounded; sternum IX, in lateral view, with posterior margin slightly rounded, with connecting membrane to inferior appendage; posterior margin slightly undulate; dorsolateral lobe of segment IX elongate, in dorsal view truncate, deeply divided, widely separated, apex bearing several short, dark, peglike setae. Tergum X partially retracted inside segment IX, with long basal processes, articulating with intermediate appendage. Intermediate appendage produced into small slender plate lying mesad of inferior appendage, in ventral view, plate cuneate. Inferior appendage broad, elongate, heavily setose, apex bifid with ventral lobe shallowly bifid, the apex bearing 1 large peglike seta. Phallus linear, membranous sheath absent; central tubule with an anteriorly directed, apical hook; lateral process not evident.

Material examined. MEXICO: Veracruz: Barranca de Metlac, 6 km W. Fortin, 1.v.1981, C M & O S Flint, Jr. — 1 male, 6 females (NMNH); Fortin de las Flores, 17.v.1964, Blanton et al — 41 males, 19 females (paratypes, NMNH).

Distribution. Mexico.