Mortoniella (Mortoniella) acutiterga, Blahnik & Holzenthal, 2017

Blahnik, Roger J. & Holzenthal, Ralph W., 2017, Revision of the northern South American species of Mortoniella Ulmer 1906 (Trichoptera: Glossosomatidae: Protoptilinae) *, Insecta Mundi 2017 (602), pp. 1-251 : 90

Mortoniella (Mortoniella) acutiterga , new species

Fig. 75

This species is apparently very closely related to M. santiaga Sykora. Unfortunately , the type of M. santiaga could not be located for a direct comparison. Both species are characterized by an unusual and expanded, almost laciniate, apicolateral margin of the dorsal phallic spine, and arched, spine-like apices of tergum X. Diagnostic differences, based on the description of M. santiaga , include the form of the paramere appendages, which lack projections in M. acutiterga , and the structure of tergum X, which has the ventrolateral projections more narrow and spine-like.

Adult —Length of forewing: male 4.2 mm. Forewing with forks I, II, and III present, hind wing with forks II, III, and V. Spur formula 0:3:4. Color (in alcohol) yellowish brown. Tibial spurs darker than legs, contrasting in color. Wing bar not evident.

Male genitalia —Ventral process of segment VI very narrow elongate, posteriorly directed, length about 6 times width at base, apex somewhat depressed, acute as viewed laterally, rounded as viewed ventrally. Segment IX nearly evenly rounded anterolaterally, length greatest midlaterally, posterolateral margin slightly produced, narrowing ventrally; segment deeply mesally excised dorsally and ventrally, forming lateral lobes, separated dorsomesally by less than ½ width of segment. Tergum X moderate in length, lateral margins somewhat converging apically, apicomesal margin with very short, acute projection, apicolateral lobes distinctly sclerotized, diverging as viewed dorsally, elongate tapering, acute apically, ventrally curved; ventrolateral lobes with one or two narrow projections with prominent apical setae. Inferior appendages short and very strongly fused to phallic ensemble, lateral margins slightly projecting, narrowing to acute ventromesal projection. Mesal pockets of inferior appendage with spine-like apical processes short, posteriorly projecting. Paramere appendage elongate (surpassing dorsal phallic spine), uniformly narrow, apex acute, dorsally curved apically. Dorsal phallic spine, as viewed laterally, relatively stout, curved basally, gradually dorsally curved apically, preapically with lateral expansion with numerous minute spines or scale-like projections; as viewed dorsally, relatively narrow throughout, except for preapical lateral expansion. Phallicata narrow basally, expanded dorsally to form rounded elevation, apparently articulating with dorsal phallic spine, ventrally with retrorse lateral projections. Endophallic membrane simple, without spines; phallotremal spines absent.

Holotype male (alcohol)— ECUADOR: Napo: PAP8 unnamed trib. Papallacta R., HwyE-28, ca. 1.7 mi SW Papallacta, 0.385893° W, 78.143530° W, 25.i.2012, B Gill ( UMSP000097163 ) ( NMNH).

Etymology —This species is named M. acutiterga for the very acutely angled apicolateral lobes of tergum X.

Figures

Figure 75. Mortoniella (Mortoniella) acutiterga, new species, male genitalia. A—lateral; B—segment IX and tergum X, dorsal; C—phallic ensemble, ventral; D—dorsal phallic spine, dorsal; E—ventral process of segment VI, lateral.