Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) microcauda, Sziráki, György, 2020

Sziráki, György, 2020, A Contribution To Knowledge Of The Genus Coniopteryx (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae) In Madagascar, With Descriptions Of 18 New Species, Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 66 (3), pp. 203-246 : 224-234

Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) microcauda sp. n.

( Figs 52–57)

Examined material – Holotype: male, Madagascar, Antsiranana Province, Montagne d’Ambre National Park , 12°31’ S, 49°11’ E, 975 m a.s.l., 11. II – 4. III. 2001, Malaise trap, leg.: I, ES, HH; deposited in the collection of CAS; CASTYPE number: 20019. Paratypes: 1 male, Antsiranana Province, Sakalava Beach , 12°15’46” S, 49°23’51” E, 10 m a.s.l., 27. IV – 13. V . 2001–25 dwarf littoral forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH; 1 male, Toamasina Province, botanic garden near to Andashibe National Park , 18°55’35” S, 48°24’28” E, 1025 m a.s.l., 18–29. VI . 2001, tropical rain forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH;. One of the paratypes is deposited in the collection of CAS , while the other in HNHM.

Description: Length of the body 1.3–1.4 mm. Head capsule and palpi light brown or pale ochreous. Anterior edge of vertex with a prominent, laterally flattened projection between the antennae. Eyes relatively small, black. Antennae ( Fig. 52) light brown, 0.8 mm, 25–28 segmented. Scape about as wide as long, pedicel somewhat longer than wide. In the basal half of the antennae the flagellar segments 1.6–1.8 times, in apical half cca. 1.5 times wider than long. Pedicel has an almost invisible setose outgrowth, while the first flagellar segment has a highly elongated, prominent one, with a few setae. Inner regular seta of the first flagellar segment well separated from the outgrowth, and has a considerable base. Ordinary hairs are distributed partly irregularly, partly in an apical ring on the scape, in two regular rings on pedicel, and rather irregularly on the flagellar segments. Scale-like hairs dispersed on considerable part of pedicel, and arranged in a rather weak apical whorl on the flagellomeres.

Thorax and legs light brown, or pale ochreous, thoracal apodemes and sutures medium, or light brown, shoulder spots medium brown. Length of the fore wing 1.5–1.7 mm, of hind wing 1.2–1.3 mm. Wing membrane and veins light yellowish-brown. Pregenital part of the abdomen pale ochreous.

Male terminalia ( Figs 53–57) well sclerotized, medium brown. Hypandrium in lateral view distinctly higher than long. Processus terminalis short and narrow, with rounded caudal endings bent slightly laterally. Median incision of processus terminalis u-shaped. A pair of moderately high, crest-like hyaline inner structure is attached dorsally to the processus terminalis of hypandrium. Processus lateralis long, tapering and directed caudally. Its setae moderately long, without prominent bases. Anterior apodeme of hypandrium evenly narrow. The lateral and ventral part of the ninth segment being before the anterior apodeme is rather broad and more sclerotized and darkened as in many other species of the genus. Ventral apodeme of gonarcus rather narrow, but widened caudally. Stylus forked; its outer branch broad and directed ventrally. Inner branch without special modifications, and it is moderately broad. No distinct ventral bridge between the inner branches of styli. Anterior part of paramere slightly bent and truncated in lateral view, while the pipe-like posterior part of this sclerite evenly widening caudally. Processus apicalis of paramere simple, and slightly bifid in lateral view. Processus ventralis small but detectable. The relatively large double penis sclerite flattened laterally and pointed distally.

Remarks: Coniopteryx (C.) microcauda sp. n. belongs to the Coniopteryx lobifrons group sensu SZIRÁKI (2005), and because of the paired inner structure of hypandrium, the relatively small processus lateralis, the narrow anterior apodeme of hypandrium and the ventrally directed outer branch of the stylus it is related most closely to Coniopteryx (C.) geniculata sp. n.

The main distinctive features of Coniopteryx (C.) microcauda sp. n. are:

− the indistinct inner outgrowth of pedicel;

− the rounded caudal endings of the narrow processus terminalis;

− u-shaped median incision of processus terminalis;

− relatively low dorsal inner structure of hypandrium;

− absence of serration on the outer branch of stylus;

− simple structure of the inner branch of stylus, without distinct bridge below the parameres;

− the different shape of the paramere.

Etymology: The new species is named after the small, but distinct processus terminalis of hypandrium.

Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) pseudoceylonica sp. n.

( Figs 58–62)

Examined material – Holotype: male, Madagascar, Fianarantsoa Province, Ranomafana National Park, Vahiporara at broken bridge, 21°13’34” S, 47°22’11” E, 1100 m a.s.l., 21– 28. II. 2002, mountain rain forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH; deposited in the collection of CAS; CASTYPE number: 20020. Paratypes: 1 male, Madagascar, Fianarantsoa Province, Ranomafana National Park, Belle Vue at Talatakely , 21°15’59” S, 47°25’13” E, 1200 m a.s.l., 8–15. XI. 2001, secondary tropical forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH; 1 male, same data but 28. IV – 5. V . 2002; 1 male, same data but 15–27. IV. 2003; 1 male, Madagascar, Fianarantsoa Province, Ranomafana National Park , radio tower at forest edge, 21°15’03” S, 47°24’26” E, 1130 m a.s.l., 15–27. IV. 2003, mixed tropical forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH. One of the paratypes housed in HNHM , the others in the collection of CAS.

Description: Length of the body 1.6–1.8 mm. Head capsule and palpi light brown or pale ochreous. Frons connected to vertex in a right angle. Eyes relatively small, black. Antennae light brown, 0.9–1.1 mm, 25–26 segmented. Scape 1.3–1.6 times, pedicel 1.3–1.7 times longer than wide. Flagellar segments in the basal half of antennae 1.4–1.5 times wider than long, while in the apical half about as wide as long. Ordinary hairs irregularly cover the scape and pedicel, and situated in two rather irregular rigs on flagellar segments. Setae moderately long. Scale-like hairs are on large part of pedicel, and in a broad but moderately dense whorl on flagellar segments.

Thorax pale ochreous, thoracal apodemes and sutures medium or dark brown, shoul- der spots medium brown. Setae on fore femora prominent basally, but lessening distally. Length of the fore wing 1.5–1.9 mm, of hind wing 1.1–1.5 mm. Membrane of wings yellowish brown, colour of veins light brownish yellow. Pregenital part of abdomen pale ochreous.

Male terminalia ( Figs 58–62) well sclerotized, medium brown. Hypandrium in lateral view about as high as long. Processus terminalis directed dorsally above a caudal rim, and in a right angle to the finely grooved ventral part of hypandrium. Median incision of processus terminalis moderately deep, with an u-shaped lower and diverged upper part. (It is worth to mention that – because of it position – processus terminalis resembles to the inner structure of hypandrium in some other Coniopteryx species , however it does not homologous with that structure.) Processus lateralis moderately long, blunt and directed caudally. Anterior apodeme of hypandrium broad laterally, with an acute side branch, narrow and bent backwards ventrally. Apodeme of gonarcus anteriorly incomplete, and situated largely in the middle line of this sclerite. Part of gonarcus being ventrally of the apodeme sclerotized more intensively than it is usual. Stylus forked, and in lateral view broad. No detectable ventral bridge between the two inner branches of stylus. Proximal part of paramere rather thin, and tapering anteriorly in lateral view. Processus apicalis weakly sclerotized, slender in caudal view, with a prominent, sharp ventral jut in lateral view. Processus ventralis of paramere small but distinct. Penis sclerite consists of two unusually well sclerotized, large, in their middle part rather broad blades. Caudally of penis there is a thin, slightly sclerotized structure, visible in ventral view.

Remarks: Coniopteryx (C.) pseudoceylonica sp. n. belongs to the Coniopteryx tineiformis group sensu SZIRÁKI (2005). Because of the similarity regarding the shape of the median incision of processus terminalis, the broad stylus in lateral view, the similar building up of paramere and especially the similar position of the apodeme of ectoproct Coniopteryx ceylonica Meinander, 1982 may be regarded as its closest relative.

The main distinctive features of the new species are:

− the dorsally directed processus terminalis above a caudal rim;

− the bent backwards anterior apodeme of hypandrium;

− absence of a ventral bridge between the inner branches of stylus;

− in caudal view slender processus apicalis of paramere;

− the unusually well sclerotized and relatively large penis sclerite;

− presence of prominent setae on the basal part of first femora.

Etymology: The new species is named after the similarity to the Coniopteryx ceylonica from Sri Lanka.

Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) pseudomalgasensis sp. n.

( Figs 63–68)

Examined material – Holotype: male, Madagascar, Fianarantsoa Province, Ranomafana National Park, Belle Vue at Talatakely , 21°15’59” S, 47°25’13” E, 1200 m a.s.l., 15–22. XI. 2001, secondary tropical forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH; deposited in the collection of CAS; CASTYPE number: 20021. Paratypes: 1 male, same data as holotype, but 16. X – 8. XI. 2001 ; 5 males, Madagascar, Antananarivo Province, 3 km NE of Andranomay , 18°28’24” S, 47°57’36” E, 1300 m. a.s.l., mountain rainforest, 5–13. XII. 2000, Malaise trap, leg.: F, G et al .; 1 male, Madagascar, Fianarantsoa Province, Ranomafana National Park , Vahiporara at broken bridge, 21°13’34” S, 47°22’11”, 1100 m a.s.l., 22–28. XI. 2001, mountain rain forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH. One of the paratypes is deposited in HNHM , while the others in the collection of CAS.

Description: Length of the body 1.5–1.8 mm. Head capsule largely pale ochreous, but posterior part of genae light brown. Anterior edge of vertex with a prominent, laterally flattened projection between the antennae. Eyes moderately large, black. Antennae ( Fig. 63) light or medium brown, relatively long: 1.0– 1.3 mm, 27–31 segmented. Scape as wide as, or slightly wider than long, pedicel 1.1–1.3 times longer than wide. The flagellar segments in the basal half of the antennae 2.0–2.6 times, in the apical half 1.4–1.9 times wider than long. Pedicel with a small group of setae, but without a detectable inner outgrowth, while the inner setose outgrowth of the first flagellar segment prominent. Regular inner seta of this segment separated distinctly from the outgrowth. Ordinary hairs are in an apical ring on the scape, and in two very irregular rings on pedicel and flagellar segments. Scale-like hairs dispersed on considerable part of pedicel, and the flagellomeres also are almost entirely covered by this type of hairs. Palpi are light brown.

Thorax and pregenital part of abdomen pale ochreous. Thoracal apodemes, sutures and the shoulder spots medium or dark brown. Legs, wing membrane and longitudinal veins light brown. Length of the fore wing 1.8–2.2 mm, of hind wing 1.4–1.8 mm.

Male terminalia ( Figs 64–68) well sclerotized, dark or medium brown. Hypandrium in lateral view about as high as long. Processus terminalis well developed, with broad and deep, u-shaped median incision. Processus lateralis long, and directed caudally. Its setae moderately long, without prominent bases. Anterior apodeme of hypandrium evenly broad and nearly straight in ventral view. Ventral apodeme of gonarcus strong and broad. Stylus forked; its outer branch pointed, in lateral view wide and curved forwards. Inner branch moderately broad and without special modifications. No ventral bridge between the inner branches of styli. Paramere sinuated in lateral view, and its anterior ending curved outwards. Processus apicalis of paramere in lateral view pointed with a rounded preapical lobe, while in caudal view it looks like as a moderately wide bent strip. Microtrichiae of processus apicalis distinctly visible. Processus ventralis not large, but prominent. Penis sclerite consists of a pair of thin, but rather long rods.

view, 67 = male internal genitalia, lateral view, 68 = male internal genitalia, ventral view.

Scales: 0.04 mm

Remarks: Coniopteryx (C.) pseudomalgasensis sp. n. belongs to the Coniopteryx lobifrons group sensu SZIRÁKI (2005), and because of the similarities in the structure of hypandrium it is related most closely to Coniopteryx (C.) malgasensis Sziráki, 2015 .

The main distinctive features of the new species are:

− absence of a distinct inner outgrowth of the pedicel;

− in ventral view almost straight anterior apodeme of hypandrium;

− the more deep median incision of processus terminalis;

− absence of prominent bases of the setae on processus lateralis;

− the broad ventral apodeme of gonarcus;

− the moderately broad inner branch of the stylus;

− absence of a ventral bridge between the inner branches of stylus.

Etymology: The new species named after the obvious similarity to the earlier described coniopterygid species Coniopteryx malgasensis .

Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) ranomafanana sp. n.

( Figs 69–74)

Examined material – Holotype: male, Madagascar, Fianarantsoa Province, Ranomafana National Park , radio tower at forest edge, 21°15’03” S, 47°24’26” E, 1130 m a.s.l., 10–14. I. 2002, mixed tropical forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH; deposited in the collection of CAS; CASTYPE number: 20022. Paratypes: 3 males, same data as holotype, but 8–15. X. 2001. Two of the paratypes housed in the collection of CAS , one deposited in HNHM.

Description: Length of the body 1.6–1.8 mm. Head capsule pale ochreous or light brown, but genae somewhat darker than the other parts of the head. Anterior edge of vertex with a laterally flattened projection between the antennae. Palpi pale ochreous. Antennae ( Fig. 69) medium or dark brown, 1.2–1.3 mm, 29–31 segmented. Scape slightly wider than long, pedicel 1.2–1.5 times longer than wide. The flagellar segments in the basal half of antennae 1.8–2.4 times, in the apical half 1.2–1.9 times wider than long. Pedicel without setose inner outgrowth, however has two rather short, basally curved setae. Inner outgrowth of first flagellar segment moderately prominent, but distinct and broad, with relatively short and straight setae. This outgrowth is well separated from the regular inner seta of the first flagellar segmenet. The regular inner setae of the 1–4 flagellar segments have well developed bases. Ordinary hairs situated mostly in an apical ring on the scape, in two very irregular rings on pedicel, while in a regular apical, and in an irregular subapical ring on flagellar segments. Scale-like hairs are dispersed sparsely on pedicel, and in a rather thin apical whorl on the flagellomeres.

Thorax light brown, thoracal sutures and apodemes medium or dark brown, shoul- der spots dark brown. Legs, wing membrane and veins light brown. Length of the fore wing 1.9–2.2 mm, of hind wing 1.5–1.8 mm. Pregenital part of abdomen pale ochreous.

Male terminalia ( Figs 70–74) well sclerotized, medium brown, with dark brown apodemes. Hypandrium in lateral view distinctly higher than long. Ventro-caudal line of this sclerite turning up abruptly. The very short basal (anterior) part of processus terminalis directed upwards, while the distal endings turn dorso-caudally. These in lateral view are acute, in ventral view blunt lobe-like. Median incision broad, u-shaped in caudal view. Processus lateralis triangular, directed caudally, with rather long setae. Anterior apodeme of hypandrium evenly narrow. Ventral apodeme of gonarcus proximally wide, distally narrow. Setae of gonarcus situated on strong bases. Stylus forked; its inner branch gradually tapering in lateral, evenly broad band-like in ventral view. There is a slightly sclerotized ventral bridge between the two inner branches. Outer branch of stylus slightly bent forward having a finely lacerated caudal edge and 2–3 teeth on its tip. Anterior part of paramere in lateral vew straight. Processus apicalis dorsally pointed, with well developed, acute preapical lobe in lateral view, and with a small ventral crest, detectable in caudal or ventral view. Apart from this crest, the processus apicalis seems to be a simple oval structure in caudal view. Processus ventralis of paramere small, but distinct. Penis consists of two thin rods pointed in lateral view, and covered caudally by some weakly sclerotized structure, visible in ventral view.

Remarks: Coniopteryx (C.) ranomafanana sp. n. belongs to the Coniopteryx lobifrons group sensu SZIRÁKI (2005). Because of the evenly narrow anterior apodeme of hypandrium, the very similar structure of the outer branch of the stylus and presence of well developed bases of usual inner seta on several flagellar segments in the basal half of the antennae it should be closely related to Coniopteryx (C.) fianarantsoana sp.n.

The main distinctive features of Coniopteryx (C.) ranomafanana sp. n. are: − the distinct and broad inner outgrowth of first flagellar segment; − the special line of hypandrium in lateral view, in connection of the presence of caudally directed, lobe-like endings of processus terminalis situated on both sides of the broad, u-shaped median incision; − the anteriorly broadened ventral apodeme of gonarcus; − absence of an inner structure of hypandrium; − in ventral view evenly broad, band-like inner branch of stylus; − presence of a well developed, in lateral view acute preapical lobe of processus apicalis of paramere.

Etymology: The new species is named after the Ranomafana National Park, where the type material was collected.

Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) schizostylaris sp. n.

( Figs 75–80)

Examined material – Holotype: male, Madagascar, Fianarantsoa Province, Ranomafana National Park, Vahiporara at broken bridge, 21°13’34” S, 47°22’11” E, 1100 m a.s.l., 28. XI – 6. XII. 2001, mountain rain forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH; deposited in the collection of CAS; CASTYPE number: 20023. Paratypes: 1 male, same data as holotype, but 26. VI – 5. VII. 2002; 1 male, Madagascar, Antsiranana Province, Ampasindava, Forèt d’Ambilanivy , 3.9 km S of Ambaliha, 13°47’55” S, 48°9’42” E, 600 m a.s.l., 4–9. III. 2001, tropical rain forest, Malaise trap, leg.: F, G et al .; 1 male, Madagascar, Antsiranana Province, Sakalava Beach , 12°15’46” S, 49°23’51” E, 10 m a.s.l., 15. II – 6. III. 2001, dwarf littoral forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH ; 1 male, Madagascar, Fianarantsoa Province, Ranomafana National Park, Belle Vue at Talatakely , 21°15’59” S, 47°25’13” E, 1200 m a.s.l., 15–22. XI. 2001, secondary tropical forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH ; 1 male, same data but 13–23. VI . 2002; 1 male, Madagascar, Toamasina Province, botanic garden near to entrance to Andasibe National Park , 18°55’35” S, 48°24’28” E, 1025 m a.s.l., 5–19. IX. 2001, tropical forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH. One of the paratypes deposited in HNHM , while the others in the collection of CAS.

Description: Length of the body 1.2–1.5 mm. Head capsule light yellowish brown. Anterior edge of vertex with a laterally flattened projection between the antennae. Eyes very large, black. Antennae ( Fig. 75) light yellowish brown, 0.9–1.2 mm, 26–28 (mostly 28) segmented. Scape as wide as long, pedicel 1.1–1.3 times longer than wide. The flagellar segments in the basal half of the antennae 2–3 times, in the apical half 1.4–1.7 times wider than long. Pedicel and first flagellar segment without distinct setose inner outgrowth, but both these segments have an inner group of setae. The regular inner seta of the first flagellar segment separated distinctly from the mentioned setose spot of this segment. Ordinary hairs situated in an apical ring on the scape, in two rings on pedicel, and rather irregularly on the flagellar segments. Some scale-like hairs are dispersed sparsely on pedicel, while this type of hairs are arranged in a moderately dense whorl on the apical half of the flagellomeres. Palpi light yellowish brown.

Thorax light brown, thoracal sutures and apodemes medium or dark brown, shoul- der spots light or medium brown. Legs, wing membrane and longitudinal veins light yellowish brown. Length of the fore wing 1.6–2.0 mm, of hind wing 1.2–1.5 mm. Pregenital part of abdomen pale ochreous.

Male terminalia ( Figs 76–80) well sclerotized, medium brown, with dark brown apodemes. Hypandrium in lateral view about as high as long. Processus terminalis well developed, with a hyaline dorsal inner structure. Median incision deep and – disregarding the median part of the inner structure – forming an elongated u-shape. Processus lateralis long and directed caudally. Its setae are moderately long, with prominent bases. Anterior apodeme of hypandrium evenly narrow. Ventral apodeme of gonarcus rather narrow also, but its anterior part broadened. Stylus forked; its inner branch moderately broad without view, 79 = male internal genitalia, lateral view, 80 = male internal genitalia, ventral view.

Scales: 0.04 mm

special modifications, and no ventral bridge between the two inner branches. Outer branch of stylus long, pointed, curved forwards and sharply bifid; i.e.: it has a long tooth which runs parallel with the main part of this branch. Paramere in lateral view slightly bent. Its processus apicalis seems to be pointed in lateral view, with a blunt preapical lobe dorsally, besides, it has a crest ventrally. In caudal view the processus apicalis rather narrow, and curved inwards dorsally. Processus ventralis small. Penis consists of two thin blades covered caudally and laterally with some weakly sclerotized structure, visible in ventral view.

Remarks: Coniopteryx (C.) schizostylaris sp. n. belongs to the Coniopteryx lobifrons group sensu SZIRÁKI (2005). Because of the special structure of stylus and the atrophied outgrowth of first flagellar segment the new species has a rather separate position within this group, however, the long and directed caudally processus lateralis, the well developed processus terminalis and the u-shaped median incision indicate that Coniopteryx (C.) pseudomalgasensis sp. n. may be regarded as its closest relative.

The main distinctive features of Coniopteryx (C.) schizostylaris sp. n. are: − absence of a distinct inner outgrowth of the first flagellar segment;

− presence of a hyaline inner structure of hypandrium;

− prominent bases of the setae on processus lateralis;

− narrow ventral apodeme of gonarcus;

− long and sharply bifid outer branch of stylus.

Etymology: The new species named after the surprising bifid structure of the outer branch of stylus.