Rhyacopsyche flinti, 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 : 13

Rhyacopsyche flinti , new species

Fig. 15

This species is unique among Rhyacopsyche . It is distinguished by the basally bifid inferior appendage, divided into a membranous dorsal lobe with a trilobate apex, and an elongate ventral lobe narrowing to a sharp point. Another distinctive feature is the undulate medial margin of the dorsolateral lobe with its small, membranous process lying in the transverse plane.

Adult (male: n=5, female: n=3). Forewing length 3.1–3.5, 3.3 mm (male), 3.2–3.6, 3.4 mm (female). Color in alcohol, brown. Sternum VII with apicomesal point.

Male genitalia. Abdominal segment IX sparsely setose, anterior margin deeply rounded; sternum IX, in lateral view, with posterior margin produced into small rounded process; posterior margin nearly straight; dorsolateral lobe of segment IX elongate, in dorsal view rounded, deeply divided, widely separated, the medial margin undulate, apex bearing several thin setae. Tergum X completely retracted inside segment IX, articulating with intermediate appendage. Intermediate appendage produced into small slender plate lying mesad of inferior appendage, in ventral view, plate spatulate. Inferior appendage elongate, trianguloid, heavily setose, with strong apical point, long dorsal appendage arising from the base with apex trilobate, the most dorsal lobe bearing several thin setae. Phallus linear, membranous sheath absent; central tubule with 2 opposing apical hooks; apex of with lateral process truncate.

Holotype male: VENEZUELA: Guárico: Parque Nacional Guatopo, Queb. Guatopo, 0.5 km N Est. La Colina, 600 m, 10°0’50”N, 66°21’47”W, 22.i.1994, Holzenthal, Cressa & Rincón ( UMSP 000206944) ( UMSP).

Paratypes: VENEZUELA: Guárico: same data as holotype — 1 male, 1 female ( NMNH), 3 males, 2 females ( UMSP).

Distribution. Venezuela.

Etymology. Named in honor of Oliver Flint, Jr., Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., who has produced the majority of the work on Rhyacopsyche .

Figures

FIGURE 15. Rhyacopsyche flinti, new species. Male genitalia: A—lateral; B—dorsal; C—ventral; D—phallus, dorsal.