Rhyacophila armitageorum, Saini, Malkiat S. & K, Lakhwinder, 2012

Saini, Malkiat S. & K, Lakhwinder, 2012, Two new species of the genus Rhyacophila Pictet (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae) from the Indian Himalayas, Zootaxa 3478, pp. 309-312 : 311-312

Rhyacophila armitageorum sp. nov.

( Figs. 5–10 )

Diagnosis. The male of Rhyacophila armitageorum closely resembles that of R. tashepa Schmid 1970 ( R. philopotamoides Branch of Schmid 1970). It differs from this species in the following characters:

The terminal segment of each inferior appendage is rounded in R. armitageorum but is rounded only basally and truncate apically in R. tashepa . Segment X is raised above segment IX in lateral view in R. tashepa whereas it is almost at the level of segment IX and slanting downwards in R. armitageorum . The ventral plate of the phallicata has a deep curve in lateral view apically in R. armitageorum but is not curved in R. tashepa . The lateral arm of ventral plate of the phallicata not curved upwards in R. tashepa whereas it is curved upwards in R. armitageorum . The paramere lacks thick setae in R. armitageorum but thick setae are present in R. tashepa .

Male: In alcohol, entire body, antennae and wings brown. Length of each antenna 7.3 mm and length of each forewing 9.0 mm. Genitalia ( Figs. 5–9 ): In dorsal view segment X with V-shaped indentation. In lateral view, terminal segment of each inferior appendage almost rounded in outline. Segment X slanting downward and anal sclerite rounded. Dorsal appendage of phallicata small and pointed apically; ventral plate of phallicata with curve; and lateral arm of ventral plate of phallicata curved upwards; paramere pointed apically; in ventral view, ventral plate of phallicata Wshaped.

Etymology. This species is named for Dr. Brian J. Armitage and Tatiana I. Arefina-Armitage of Columbus, Ohio, USA, for their contributions to our knowledge of the genus Rhyacophila .

Material examined. Holotype 3, INDIA: Arunachal Pradesh, Lumla, Kameng Frontier Division, Kameng River, 27°44ʹN 92°48ʹE, 2300 m, 15-v-2011, collectors Parey & Pandher ( PUPM).

The authors are highly thankful to Dr. J.C. Morse (Clemson University, USA) for his manifold help. Without his kind assistance and encouragement, this piece of work would not have been possible. Help rendered by Dr. Brian J. Armitage and Tatiana I. Arefina-Armitage (Columbus, Ohio, USA) for providing informative literature on females of Rhyacophila and for sharing the technique to clear and extend genitalia is highly appreciated. The authors are also thankful to the Department of Science and Technology (New Delhi) for providing financial help to carry out this work. Authors are also grateful to Sajad Hussain Parey, Manpreet Singh Pandher, Vikram Singh Rathor, Muzamil Ahmad, Rifat Hussain Raina and Nakeer Razak for the many ways that they helped. All the laboratory facilities provided by Department are also appreciated.

Figures

FIGURES 1 – 9. Rhyacophila spp. nov., male genitalia. 1 – 4, Rhyacophila sajadi sp. nov.: 1, left lateral view; 2, dorsal view; 3, inferior appendages, ventral view.; 4, phallic apparatus, lateral view. 5 – 9, Rhyacophila armitageorum sp. nov.: 5, left lateral view; 6, ventral view; 7, dorsal view; 8, phallic apparatus, lateral view; 9, ventral plate of phallic apparatus, dorsal view. AS = anal sclerite; DA = dorsal appendage of phallic apparatus; D. IX = dorsal apical lobe of segment IX; INF = inferior appendage; LA = lateral arm of ventral plate of phallicata; LP = lateral process of apicodorsal lobe of segment IX; MP = median process of apicodorsal lobe of segment IX; PAR = paramere; PH = phallicata; TMP = triangular membranous projection; VPPH = ventral plate of phallicata; X = segment X.

FIGURE 10. Collection site of Rhyacophila armitageorum sp. nov.