Oecetis apache, Blahnik, Roger J. & Holzenthal, Ralph W., 2014

Blahnik, Roger J. & Holzenthal, Ralph W., 2014, Review and redescription of species in the Oecetis avara group, with the description of 15 new species (Trichoptera, Leptoceridae), ZooKeys 376, pp. 1-83 : 15-17

Oecetis apache sp. n. Figs 4, 37, Map 2

Oecetis metlacensis . Houghton 2001: 91.

Diagnosis.

In size, general color and diagnostic features, which include a phallobase angularly bent or strongly arched in the middle and with a V-shaped apex as viewed caudally, this species most closely resembles Oecetis metlacensis , and was identified as such by Houghton (2001) in reporting that species for the first time from the United States. However, on direct comparison (and as noted by Houghton) there are some differences. Notably, the dorsal lobe of the inferior appendage is more robust, the angle it makes with the ventral lobe is less pronounced, and the forewings seem to lack any spotting at all. Additionally, the forewings are proportionately wider than those of Oecetis metlacensis . In color and general form, particularly in the overall shape of the inferior appendages, it is also very similar to Oecetis disjuncta , which differs in that the apex of the phallobase is U-shaped or rounded in caudal view, rather than V-shaped.

Adult.

Forewing length: male (11.5-12.8 mm), female (10.3 mm). Color tan (light brown). Antennae whitish with indistinct, narrow annulations at intersection of antennomeres. Forewing spots absent; veins of forewing chord with m widely spaced, s and r-m veins relatively close. Forewings slightly broader than Oecetis metlacensis . Setae along veins in apical part of forewing mostly apically directed, not or only slightly laterally diverging. Fringe of setae along costal margin of forewing dense, short, not strongly projecting.

Male genitalia.

Segment IX very short, with elongate setae along posterolateral margin. Tergum X with narrow, deflexed mesal lobe, lobe short, tapering apically, apex with small sensilla; lobe continuous basoventrally with paired lateral membranous projections. Preanal appendage moderately elongate, length 3-5 times maximum width (in some as long as Oecetis disjuncta ), simple in structure, apical setae elongate. Inferior appendage with prominent rounded dorsal lobe and scarcely projecting ventral lobe, separated from dorsal lobe by shallow, rounded notch; posterior margin of ventral lobe, as viewed ventrally (Fig. 4E), with rounded bend near base, apices of lobes strongly diverging; basomesal projection of appendage forming distinct rounded projection with short, stiff setae; dorsal lobe with stout, mesally-curved setae on dorsal margin, anteroventrally directed setae on anterior margin, and ventrally-curved setae on mesal surface. Phallobase relatively elongate and tubular basally, ventral apex about as long as base, strongly, subangularly deflexed; ventral apex, as viewed caudally, V-shaped (distinctly keeled) (Fig. 4C). Phallotremal sclerite prominent, basally forming tubular collar, ventral margin somewhat projecting, apex acute; asymmetrical lateral sclerite absent.

Holotype.

Male (pinned), USA: Arizona: Apache Co., W. Fork Black R., FR 68 @ West Fork Campground, 33°46.676'N, 109°24.291'W, el 2438 m, 18.vi.1999, D. Houghton (UMSP) (UMSP000021236).

Paratypes.

USA: Arizona: same locality and date as holotype, 5 males, 1 female (pinned) (UMSP) (NMNH); same locality, 19.vi.1999, D.C. Houghton, 24 males (alcohol) (UMSP); Apache Co. E Fork Black River, F.R. 249, Three Forks Crossing, Apache-Sitgeaves National Forest, 33°51.300'N, 109°18.890'W, el 2530 m, 18.vi.1999, D.C. Houghton, 5 males (alcohol) (UMSP); New Mexico: Catron Co., Gila National Monument, el 1829 m, 4.vii.1964, D.R. Davis, 1 male (pinned) (NMNH).

Etymology.

This species is named Oecetis apache , used as a noun in apposition, after Apache Co., Arizona, where the holotype specimen was collected, but also referring to its general southwestern U.S. distribution, homeland of the Apache.