Sisyra gruwelli, Oliver S. Flint, 2012

Oliver S. Flint, Jr., 2012, New species, records, and a synonymy of African Sisyridae (Neuroptera, Insecta Mundi 2012 (223), pp. 1-6 : 2-4

Sisyra gruwelli n.sp.

( Figures 3, 4)

Comments. Of the known species of Sisyra there is no other with such a narrow, elongate, angulate coxopodite bearing abroad mesal flange.

As with the preceding species, this example appears to have faded over time, and the wings are badly broken with various fragments missing. It, too, has not cleared well.

Description. Male: Forewing length 3.5mm. Preserved in 80% ethyl alcohol, almost uniformly light brown. Antenna with 33 segments, 24 basal segments (including scape and pedicel) dark brown, 9 terminal segments pale. Head and body light brown. Wings light brown; cells not noticeably marked. Forewing with radial and medial venation appearing the same as in S. cameroonensis but Cu 1 has 3 branches reaching the wing margin in addition to the apical fork. Male genitalia ( Fig. 3, 4): Epiproct not clearly distinguishable from membrane. Eighth sternite not apparent, but sternum a large irregular lobe extending ventrad. Gonarcus a dark band connecting bases of coxopodites with a small mesal knob, and extending ventrad from their mesal bases. Parameres not seen. Coxopodite 8-9 times as long as broad, and angulate at midlength in lateral aspect; in dorsal aspect, basal half narrow, of uniform width, beyond midlength with a broad mesal flange and a smaller rounded margin laterally, apex with a pair of fingerlike processes (1 seemingly with a small apical seta); basal section with a large mesally directed seta arising from an enlarged base, mesal margin of flange with 2 small setae from enlarged bases and a few small setae, apex of coxopodite with 5-6 long, enlarged setae arising from conspicuous bases.

Type material. Holotype, male: CAMEROON: [Centre Prov.] Libamba , 10km E Makak [3 o 37’N, 11 o 2’E], 11 Feb 1974, J.A. Gruwell, at black light ( NMNH).

Etymology. The species is dedicated to Dr. John A. Gruwell who collected this most unusual species and other interesting aquatic insects in Cameroon.