Itauara rodmani Robertson & Holzenthal

Robertson, Desiree R. & Holzenthal, Ralph W., 2011, Revision of the Neotropical caddisfly genus Itauara Mueller, 1888 (Trichoptera, Glossosomatidae), ZooKeys 114, pp. 41-100 : 68-69

Itauara rodmani Robertson & Holzenthal sp. n. Fig. 20 A–D

Description.

This species is very similar to Itaura tusci sp. n., which also has very long, upturned, tusk-like parameres and a strongly upturned phallicata. The 2 species can be separated based on the shape of the phallicata process, which is pointed and blade-like in Itaura tusci and rounded or blunt in Itaura rodmani . The phallicata is also more sclerotized in Itaura rodmani . Additionally, the dorsomesal margin of tergum X is irregular, with several small setose processes in Itaura tusci , whereas in Itaura rodmani , the dorsomesal margin is rather smooth and triangular. The ventrolateral processes of the 2 species also differ: Itaura tusci has a small upper and more elongate lower process; Itaura rodmani has a single, short, digitate process. Itaura blahniki also has upturned, tusk-like parameres, but is easily distinguished from Itaura rodmani based on differences in tergum X and the phallicata. Itauara blahniki and Itaura blahniki sp. n., also has tusk-like parameres, but they are not as long and curved as Itaura rodmani .

Adult. Body, wings, and appendages pale or tawny brown in alcohol. Wings with conspicuous white spot at the arculus. Forewing slightly broader past anastomosis, but with margins nearly parallel, apex subacute. Forewing venation incomplete, with apical forks I, II, and III present; Sc and R1 distinct along their entire lengths; fork I sessile; fork II petiolate, stem shorter than fork; fork III petiolate, stem about the same length as fork; Cu1 incomplete, not reaching wing margin; Cu1 and Cu2 intersecting near anastomosis; row of erect setae present along Cu2; A3 absent; crossveins forming a relatively linear transverse cord; discoidal cell longer than Rs vein. Hind wing margins nearly parallel, tapering only slightly past anastomosis; apical forks II, III, and V present; Sc and R1 fused basally; A2 absent. Tibial spurs 1,4,4, foretibial spur extremely reduced and hairlike. Sixth sternal process thumb-like, apex rounded, associated with weak oblique apodeme posteriorly.

Male genitalia. Preanal and inferior appendages absent. Segment IX relatively broad; anterior margin rounded; posterolateral margin membranous or very lightly sclerotized; sternum IX without modification. Tergum X incompletely fused to tergum IX with membrane or lightly sclerotized region ventrolaterally; dorsomesal margin subtriangular, very slightly downturned; dorsolateral margin with paired small, slightly down-turned, setose process; ventrolateral margin with an outer and inner pair of small setose processes directed posteriorly. Parameres present, paired, arising ventrobasally from fused endotheca and phallobase, sclerotized and rod-like, tusk-like, strongly curving upward, apex pointed. Phallobase reduced, lightly sclerotized with phallic shield. Phallicata forming a long sclerotized dorsal sheath extending from phallobase, strongly curving upward with apex directed dorsally, with pair of broad, sclerotized wing-like lateral flanges with rounded or subquadrate ventral margins. Endophallus membranous, enlarged and convoluted when invaginated, with 1 tubular upper lobe and 3 smaller lower lobes.

Material examined.

Holotype male: BRAZIL: Minas Gerais: Corrego das Aguas Pretas & tribs., ca. 15 km S Aiuruoca, 22°03'42"S, 044°38'14"W, 1386 m, 21.xi.2001 (Holzenthal, Blahnik, Neto, Paprocki) (UMSP000081857) (MZUSP).

Paratypes: BRAZIL: Minas Gerais: same data as holotype - 6 females, 3 males (UMSP).

Etymology.

We are delighted to name this species for Dr. James Rodman, the NSF program director who initiated the Partnership for Enhancing Expertise in Taxonom y (PEET) program. The PEET program provides funding for the training of taxonomists of little known organisms. The senior author is grateful for the wonderful experience she had while participating in the PEET program as a doctoral student and the opportunity to study Trichoptera taxonomy.