Aprionus sleipniri sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 858990F3-8AB7-4B04-9CC7-368F916028F7

Fig. 11

Diagnosis

Aprionus sleipniri sp. nov. is distinguished from all other Aprionus, including the styloideus group, by the tegmen whose narrowly rounded apex is strongly sclerotized (↓, Fig. 11A). In lateral view it is obvious that this sclerotized cap transitions smoothly into the membranous portion of the aedeagus ventrally of the tegmen. The 2–4 pairs of short tegminal fingers are directed posteriorly rather than laterally, so intersect only slightly or not at all (↓). The gonostylar tooth (↓), which is shaped like a fingernail, is much smaller than that found in the other species of the styloideus group. As an unusual condition in Aprionus, the ventral gonocoxal bridge is membranous, not made of a thin, sclerotized bar.

Etymology

Sleipnir is Odin’s eight-legged horse.

Material examined

Holotype

SWEDEN: ♂, Öland, Mörbylånga, Västerstad elm-forest Nature Reserve, 56.42° N, 16.42° E, mature elm forest, sweepnet and aspirator, M. and C. Jaschhof leg., 9 Jun. 2014 (NHRS, no. CEC169).

Paratypes

SWEDEN: 5 ♂♂, same data as for the holotype (NHRS, nos CEC 170– CEC 174).

Other material studied

SWEDEN: 1 ♂, Öland, Mörbylånga, Skogsby forest NR, mixed broadleaf forest, MT, MCJ leg., 13 May–9 Jun. 2015 (DEI, no. CEC 372); 1 ♂, Öland, Stora Dalby forest NR, 56.47° N, 16.45° E, mixed broadleaf forest, MT, MCJ leg., 5 May.–7 Jun. 2015 (DEI, no. CEC 373).

Other characters

Body size 1.1–1.2 mm.

HEAD. Postfrons setose. Eye bridge 2–3 ommatidia long dorsally. A dense row of 8–9 postocular bristles. Neck of fourth flagellomere shorter than node, 3–4 thick translucent sensilla, either simply hair-shaped or two- to three-branched (Fig. 11B). Palpus 3-segmented, length of segments varying.

WING. ApicR 1 2.0–2.5 times as long as Rs.

LEGS. Claws slightly bent, 2 fine teeth. Empodia rudimentary.

TERMINALIA (Fig. 11A). Ninth tergite short, subrectangular, anterior margin straight, fully sclerotized. Dorsal gonocoxal bridge typically subtriangular, extends beyond ventroanterior gonocoxal edge. Gonostylus elongate, convex on basal half portion, basolateral apophysis poorly developed. Tegmen as long as gonocoxites, evenly tapered towards apex. Anterior corners of subanal plate apparent as poorly defined, weakly sclerotized areas with dark centers.

Distribution and phenology

Sweden (Öland). Adults were collected in May and June in broadleaf forests.