Rhyacopsyche mexicana ( Flint, 1967 )

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 : 15-16

Rhyacopsyche mexicana ( Flint, 1967)

Fig. 20

Rhyacopsyche mexicana ( Flint, 1967:12) [Type locality: Mexico, Vera Cruz, Rio Tacolapan; NMNH; male; in Metrichia ]. — Flint, 1971:519 [distribution, male, female, larva, case, to Rhyacopsyche ].

This species most closely resembles R. obliqua . Both species have a bifid apex of the inferior appendage, bearing 1 large peglike seta. The rounded dorsolateral lobes distinguish R. mexicana from the truncate lobes of R. obliqua .

Adult (male n=10, female n=10). Forewing length 2.2–3.4, 2.6 mm (male), 2.6–3.5, 3.0 mm (female). Color of head dark brown, antennae cream, legs cream, wings mottled light and dark brown. Sternum VII without apicomesal point.

Male genitalia. Abdominal segment IX heavily setose, anterior margin slightly rounded; sternum IX, in lateral view, with posterior margin slightly rounded, with connecting membrane to inferior appendage; posterior margin nearly straight; dorsolateral lobe of segment IX elongate, in dorsal view rounded, deeply divided, nearly meeting dorsally, apex bearing several short, dark, peglike setae. Tergum X partially retracted inside segment IX, with long basal processes, articulating with intermediate appendage. Intermediate appendage produced into small slender plate lying mesad of inferior appendage, in ventral view, plate deltoid. Inferior appendage elongate, sparsely setose, apex bifid with ventral lobe bearing 1 large peglike seta. Phallus base inflated, thin membranous sheath surrounding apex, covered with spicules; central tubule with 2 opposing apical hooks; apex of lateral process lanceolate.

Material examined. COSTA RICA: Alajuela: Reserva Forestal San Ramón, Río San Lorencito & tribs., 10°12’58”N, 084°36’25”W, 980 m, 6–10.iii.1991, Holzenthal, Muñoz & Huisman — 1 male, 3 females (UMSP); Límon: Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo, Quebrada González, 10°09’36”N, 083°56’20”W, 480 m, 12–14.v.1990, Holzenthal & Blahnik — 5 males, 5 females (UMSP); Puntarenas: Río Cotón, in Las Alturas, 08°56’17”N, 082°49’34”W, 1360 m, 12.viii.1990, Holzenthal, Blahnik & Muñoz — 1 male, 1 female (UMSP); Río Bellavista: ca. 1.5 km NW Las Alturas, 08°57’04”N, 082°50’46”W, 1400 m, 8–9.iv.1987, Holzenthal, Hamilton & Heyn — 1 female (UMSP); 2–3.viii.1987, Holzenthal, Morse & Clausen — 1 male, 3 females (UMSP); San José: Río Chirripó Pacífico, 9.5 km NE Rivas, 09°28’12”N, 083°35’28”W, 1370 m, 23.ii.1986, Holzenthal, Morse & Fasth — 1 male, 1 female (UMSP); NICARAGUA: Zelaya: Río Las Latas, 14°04’00”N, 088°33’00”W, 220 m, 2.vi.1998, Maes & Hernandez — 1 male (UMSP).

Distribution. Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua.

Figures

FIGURE 20. Rhyacopsyche mexicana (Flint). Male genitalia: A—lateral; B—dorsal; C—ventral; D—phallus, dorsal.