Rhyacopsyche colei, Wasmund, Anne M. & Holzenthal, Ralph W., 2007

Wasmund, Anne M. & Holzenthal, Ralph W., 2007, A revision of the Neotropical caddisfly genus Rhyacopsyche, with the description of 13 new species (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae), Zootaxa 1634, pp. 1-59 : 9-10

Rhyacopsyche colei , new species

Fig. 10

This species is most similar to R. matthiasi , sharing a midlateral process along the posterior margin of segment IX and the presence of thick, plumose setae on the inferior appendage. However, the midlateral process is articulated in R. matthiasi . Additionally, R. colei lacks the prominent, flaring tergum X of R. matthiasi . The transverse bar connecting the lobes of segment IX, and the shorter, truncate inferior appendage distinguishes R. colei from all other species of Rhyacopsyche .

Adult (male: n=10, female: n=10). Forewing length 2.7–3.0, 2.9 mm (male), 2.9–3.2, 3.1 mm (female). Color of head dark brown, antennae light brown, legs medium brown, wings mottled medium and dark brown. Sternum VII with apicomesal point.

Male genitalia. Abdominal segment IX heavily setose, bearing several plumose setae, anterior margin slightly rounded; sternum IX, in lateral view, with posterior margin produced into small rounded process; posterior margin produced into small, truncate lobe; dorsolateral lobe of segment IX elongate, in dorsal view rounded, deeply divided, widely separated, with thin dorsal bar lying in the transverse plane, without peglike setae. Tergum X completely retracted inside segment IX. Intermediate appendage produced into small slender plate lying mesad of inferior appendage, in ventral view, plate broadly truncate, bearing light pointed setae. Inferior appendage elongate, in lateral view, apex truncate, ventral margin bearing several thick, plumose setae. Phallus base inflated, thin membranous sheath surrounding the middle of the phallus; central tubule with rounded apex; lateral process not evident.

Holotype male: VENEZUELA: Lara: Parque Nacional Dinira, Quebrada Buenos Aires, 09°36’24”N, 070°04’11”W, 1850 m, 18–19.vi.2001, Holzenthal, Blahnik, Paprocki & Cressa ( UMSP 00074070) ( UMSP).

Paratypes: VENEZUELA: Lara: same data as holotype — 6 males, 4 females ( IZAM), 6 males, 4 females ( NMNH), 12 males, 9 females ( UMSP).

Distribution. Venezuela.

Etymology. Named in honor of Dr. Eric Cole, professor of biology at St. Olaf College, who deepened the senior author’s appreciation for the natural world.

Figures

FIGURE 10. Rhyacopsyche colei, new species. Male genitalia: A—lateral; B—dorsal; C—ventral; D—phallus, dorsal.