Zalea uda, McAlpine, 2007

McAlpine, D. K., 2007, The Surge Flies (Diptera: Canacidae: Zaleinae) of Australasia and Notes on Tethinid-Canacid Morphology and Relationships, Records of the Australian Museum 59 (1), pp. 27-64 : 50-51

Zalea uda n.sp.

Figs 54, 55

Material examined. HOLOTYPE?, New Zealand: Sandy Bay (35°33.4'S 174°28.5'E), 6.x.2002, D.M., W.N.M. ( NZAC). Dry-mounted on micro-pin through polyporus pith, genitalia in microvial . PARATYPE 1?, New Zealand, same data as holotype ( USNM) .

Description (?,! unknown). Very similar to Z. johnsi , agreeing with description of that species, except as indicated.

Coloration. Agreeing with that of Z. johnsi .

Head. Height of cheek = 0.18–0.21 of height of eye; postvertical bristles convergent.

Thorax. Wing: cell-4 index = 0.46–0.48.

Abdomen. Anterior surstylus moderately elongate, compressed, broadest slightly beyond mid-length, very obtuse apically, sparsely setulose on distal half of outer surface, on basal two thirds of inner surface with numerous stout setulae, some of which are short and subconical; posterior surstylus subtriangular, broadest at base, subacute to narrowly obtuse apically, its width at base slightly over half its length, with pruinescence restricted to posterior part of outer surface, with scattered moderately small setulae on outer surface, on inner surface with much larger setulae as well as some small ones, not restricted to basal part; hypandrium and aedeagus with general features of Z. mathisi ; gonite broad; cercus resembling that of Z. mathisi .

Dimensions. Total length c. 1.3 mm; length of thorax 0.57–0.64 mm; length of wing 1.4–1.5 mm.

Distribution. New Zealand: North Island, Northland.

Notes

At present Z. uda can only be distinguished from related species of the horningi group by the shape and armature of the surstyli. It is conceivable that the female postabdomen may also provide diagnostic characters.

The specific epithet is a Latin adjective meaning wet, in reference to the habitat.