Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) toamasinana, 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 : 236-244

Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) toamasinana sp. n.

( Figs 87–92)

Examined material – Holotype: 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., 2–8. X. 2001, tropical forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH; deposited in the collection of CAS; CASTYPE number: 20025. Paratype: 1 male, Madagascar, Antsiranana Province, Sakalava Beach , 12°15’46” S, 49°23’51” E, 10 m a.s.l., 13–16. V . 2001, dwarf littoral forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH; deposited in HNHM .

Description: Length of the body 1.4–1.7 mm. Head capsule light brown or pale ochreous. Anterior edge of vertex with a laterally flattened projection between the antennae. Eyes large, black. Antennae ( Fig. 87) very light brown, 1.2–1.3 mm, 29 segmented. Scape about as wide as long, pedicel 1.2–1.3 times longer than wide. The flagellar segments in the basal half of antennae 2.3–2.4 times, in the apical half 2.0–2.4 times wider than long. Pedicel without any protuberance, while the first flagellar segment has a rather stout inner outgrowth, with short but strong setae. The usual inner seta of this segment is very close to the outgrowth. The usual inner setae of the 2–6 flagellar segments have outstanding bases. Ordinary hairs situated mostly in an apical ring on the scape, apically in a ring, otherwise irregularly on pedicel, and rather irregularly on flagellar segments. Scale-like hairs are thinly scattered on large part of pedicel, and arranged in a moderately broad apical whorl on the flagellomeres. Palpi pale ochreous.

Thorax light yellowish-brown, thoracal apodemes and sutures dark brown, shoul- der spots medium brown. Legs pale ochreous, wing membrane hyaline, veins clourless. Length of the fore wing 1.8–1.9 mm, of hind wing 1.3 mm. Pregenital part of abdomen pale ochreous.

Male terminalia ( Figs 88–92) well sclerotized, medium brown. Hypandrium in lateral view 1.3 times higher than long. Processus terminalis well developed, with acute caudal endings and with u-shaped, broad but moderately deep median incision. An inner hyaline structure – consisting of two rather low longitudinal keels and an anterior transversal part – is connected to the dorsal surface of processus terminalis. (The characteristic pattern of this structure is visible in ventral view by transmitted light.) Processus lateralis moderately long blunt subtriangular and directed caudally. Bases of its relatively short setae rather prominent. Anterior apodeme of hypandrium ventrally straight and rather narrow, laterally widened, without dorsal hook. Ventral apodeme of gonarcus narrow. Stylus forked; its inner branch rather narrow, simple. No detectable ventral bridge between the two inner branches. Pointed outer branch of the stylus bent forwards. Distal part of paramere broad in lateral view. Processus apicalis in lateral view pick-like, in caudal view its main part bulky, while the dorsal projection curved inwards. Processus ventralis of paramere prominent. Penis sclerite consists of two thin, bent blades.

Remarks: Coniopteryx (C.) toamasinana sp. n. belongs to the Coniopteryx lobifrons group sensu SZIRÁKI (2005). Because of some similarity regarding the building up of processus terminalis – including construction of the dorsal inner structure –, the broad distal part of paramere, the well developed processus ventralis of this sclerite, the narrow ventral apodeme of gonarcus and the absence of a ventral bridge between the inner branches of the stylus Coniopteryx angusticauda Sziráki, 2015 should be regarded as its closest relative.

The main distinctive features of the new species are:

− absence of a group of setae on the pedicel;

− the stout inner outgrowth of the first flagellar segment;

− the broad processus terminalis, with well developed median incision;

− absence of a dorsal hook on the lateral part of the anterior apodeme of hypandrium;

− the dorsal inner structure of hypandrium does not form a reversed bellshape in caudal view;

− in lateral view pick-like processus apicalis of paramere;

− absence of an additional sclerite dorso-caudally of penis.

Etymology: The new species is named after the Toamasina Province, where the holotype of the species was collected.

Coniopteryx (Xeroconiopteryx) antankarana sp. n.

( Figs 93, 95–100)

Examined material – Holotype: male, Madagascar, Antsiranana Province, Montagne d’Ambre National Park , 12°30’52” S, 49°10’53” E, 960 m a.s.l., 4–19. III. 2001, Malaise trap, leg.: I, ES & HH; deposited in the collection of CAS; CASTYPE number: 20026. Paratypes: 1 male, Madagascar, Antsiranana Province, 7 km N of Joffreville , 12°20’ S, 49°15’ E, 360 m a.s.l., 16–31. V . 2001, dry forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH; 1 male, Madagascar, Mahajanga Province, Mahavavy River , 6.2 km SE of Mitsinjo, 16°03’06” S, 45°54’30” E, 20 m a.s.l., 1–5. XII. 2002, gallery forest, yellow pan trap, leg.: F, G et al .; 1 male, Madagascar, Toliara Province, Zambitse National Park , 22°50’25” S, 44°43’52” E, 825 m a.s.l., 5–12. I. 2002, deciduous spiny forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH. Two of the paratypes are deposited in the collection of CAS , while one housed in HNHM.

Description: Length of the body 1.4–1.8 mm. Head capsule and palpi light brown. There is a minute, one-segmented, directing slightly upwards, oviform frontal projection between the antennae, with about a dozen setae ( Fig. 93). Eyes large, black. Antennae light brown, 0.8–1.0 mm, 25–27 segmented. Scape about as long as wide, or slightly longer, pedicel as wide as long, or slightly wider. Flagellar segments in the basal half of antenna 1.6–2.0 times, in the apical half 1.2–1.8 times wider than long. Ordinary hairs of flagellomeres situated rather irregularly ( Fig. 95). Scale-like hairs arranged in a dense apical ring on pedicel and on flagellomeres. Inner setae of flagellomeres moderately long.

Thorax pale ochreous, thoracal apodemes and sutures may be light, or dark brown, or partly even black. Legs and shoulder spots medium brown. Wing membrane fuscous or light brown. Length of the fore wing 1.4–1.8, of hind wing 1.2–1.4 mm. Pregenital part of abdomen pale ochreous. The number of wax glands seems to be rather low.

Most part of male terminalia ( Figs 96–100) well sclerotized, medium brown. Hypandrium in lateral view more than 2 times higher than long. Processus terminalis is a small but distinct, pointed triangle, without median incision. Processus lateralis short and blunt; bases of its setae rather prominent. Anterior apodeme of hypandrium narrow, medially interrupted or very weak. Gonarcus short and only moderately sclerotized. Ectoproct with moderately long setae on prominent bases. Stylus slightly forked; its inner branch moderately wide in lateral view, and there is a distinct ventral bridge between the two inner branches. Outer branch rudimentary, starting from a lobe of inner branch, and bent up- 97 = male terminalia, ventral view, 98 = male terminalia without distal part of right paramere, caudal view, 99 = male internal genitalia, lateral view, 100 = male internal genitalia,

ventral view. 94: Coniopteryx (X.) sestertia Meinander ; frons with frontal projection of male paratype – on the basis of photograph made by Rachel Diaz-Bastin, CAS. Scales: 0.04 mm,

but in Fig. 93 it is 0.03 mm wards and inwards. Base of the stylus continued backwards and inwards in a more or less membraneous structure. Distal part of paramere rather broad in lateral view. Processus apicalis consists of an – in lateral view – cup like part and of a long thorn, directed upwards and forwards about in an angle 45°. Processus ventralis distinct, digitiform and directed somewhat laterally. Penis sclerite consists of two slightly hooked blades, broadened at their distal third.

Remarks: Coniopteryx (X.) antankarana sp. n. belongs to the Coniopteryx bicuspis group sensu SZIRÁKI (2005). Because of the presence and basic structure of its frontal projection and of the structure of the male terminalia this species is in closer relation with C. (X.) sestertia Meinander, 1998 , C. (X.) triantennata Monserrat, 1994 and C. (X.) wowifuna Monserrat, 1994 . As the frontal projection of the latter species – similarly to C. (X.) antankarana sp. n. – is simple, with some long setae, I consider C. (X.) wowifuna as the closest relative of the new species.

It should be noted that C. (X.) sestertia was synonymized under C. (X.) triantennata by MONSERRAT (2006), and I had accepted it in my book ( SZIRÁKI 2011). As there is now a further species with frontal projection of somewhat similar structure within the C. bicuspis species group, I asked and received photographs of the head of the holotype and male paratype of C. (X.) sestertia , and additional information about their frontal projection from CRISTOPHER C. GRINTER and RA- CHEL DIAZ-BASTIN (CAS). After the examination of the photographs it became entirely sure that the frontal projection of C. sestertia clearly is one-segmented ( Fig. 94). This organ of C. triantennata is two-segmented ( MONSERRAT 1994), and there are some differences also in male genitalia of the two species (see below). Consequently, C. (X.) sestertia should be regarded as a valid species.

The main distinctive features of the new species are:

− the one segmented, oviform frontal projection, with about 10–12 setae (while in C. triantennata this organ two segmented, in C. sestertia pluglike with short, dense, slightly curved hairs, in C. wowifuna conic with 3–4 long apical setae);

− the irregularly situated ordinary hairs of the flagellar segments;

− the small but distinct, pointed processus terminalis of hypandrium (which sclerite is similar in C. triantennata , but absent or indistinct in C. wowifuna and C. sestertia );

− the (slightly) forked stylus;

− the structure of processus apicalis of paramere, which consists of an – in lateral view – broad, cup-like part and of a long thorn (while in C. wowifuna two long thorns appear in lateral view);

− presence of a distinct processus ventralis of the paramere (which scleritepart is similar in C. sestertia ( MEINANDER 1998: Fig. 15 /D), but – according to the original description ( MONSERRAT 1994) – absent in C. triantennata and C. wowifuna ).

Etymology: The new species is named after the Antankarana ethnic group inhabiting the northern tip of Madagascar, where the holotype and one of the paratypes were collected.

Coniopteryx (Xeroconiopteryx) botswana Meinander, 1998

( Figs 101–102)

Examined material – Holotype: male, Botswana, Serowe , 22°15’ S, 26°26’ E, leg.: P. Forchammer, deposited in collection of CAS; other material: 1 male, Madagascar, Antsiranana Province, Orangea, 3 km N of Ramena, near fort, 12°14’49” S, 49°22’17” E, 65 m a.s.l., 23–27. I. 2001, littoral forest on sand, Malaise trap, leg.: I, ES & HH; 1 male, Madagascar, Toliara Province, Cap Sainte Marie Special Reserve, 14.9 km W of Morowato, 25°35’40” S, 45°08’49” E, 160 m a.s.l., spiny forest thicket, Malaise trap, leg.: F, G et al.; 1 male, Madagascar, Toliara Province, Mikea Forest , NW of Manambo, 22°54’13” S, 43°28’32” E, 30 m a.s.l., 8–19. II. 2002, dry deciduous forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH; 1 male, same data but 8–18. III. 2002; 1 male, same data but 13–23. VII. 2002; 1 male, same data but 29. VI – 6. VII. 2003; 1 male, same data but 10–21. VIII. 2003.

The examined Madagascan specimens show rather slight or hardly visible variation as compared to the original description, namely: the flagellar segments have two whorls of scale-like hairs (according to the original description only one); the caudal hook of processus apicalis of paramere is simple, while in corresponding figures of the original description ( MEINANDER 1998: Figs 14A, D) is bifid; ventral part of anterior apodeme of hypandrium present (according to the original description absent); a short processus terminalis of hypandrium with a shallow median incision present ( Fig. 102) (according to the original description absent); the penis formed from two, in lateral view broad blades (according to the original description it consists of two rods); the hypandrium about 2.5 times as high as broad (according to the original description it is 1.5 times higher than broad).

On the other hand, the structure of the paramere, stylus and gonarcus agreed entirely with the original description of C. botswana . Therefore, examination of the holotype of this species seemed necessary. This examination showed that the anterior apodeme of hypandrium of the – probably newly hatched – holotype specimen present but very weak, the penis in lateral view wide, the caudal hook of processus apicalis of paramere simple ( Fig. 101), and the flagellar segments have two whorls of scale-like hairs (however, the second one weakly visible). As the caudal part of hypandrium regards, it was damaged and pushed upwards and forwards, thus the real structure visible only from caudal view. The only remaining alteration between the holotype and the Madagascan specimens is the different height-width relation of hypandrium. However, this feature might be rather variable within the same species ( SZIRÁKI 1979: Figs 5–7). Consequently, the given Madagascan specimens are conspecific with the holotype of Coniopteryx (X.) botswana .

Coniopteryx (Xeroconiopteryx) tuleariensis sp. n.

( Figs 103–108)

Examined material – Holotype: male, Madagascar, Toliara Province, Berenty Special Reserve, 8 km NW of Amboasary, 25°00’24” S, 46°18’12” E, 85 m a.s.l., 7–17. I. 2002, gallery forest, Malaise trap, leg.: I, FP & HH; deposited in the collection of CAS; CASTYPE number: 20027. Paratypes: 1 male, Madagascar, Antsiranana Province, Montagne d’Ambre National Park , 12°30’52” S, 49°10’53” E, 960 m a.s.l., 26–29. I. 2001, Malaise trap, leg.: I, ES & HH; 1 male, Madagascar, Antsiranana Province, Montagne des Français , 7.2 km SE of Antsiranana , 12°19’ 22” S, 49°20’17” E, 180 m a.s.l., 22–28. II. 2001, tropical dry 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., 16–31. V . 2001, dwarf littoral forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH; 1 male, Madagascar, Mahajanga Province, Ampijoroa National Park , 160 km N of Maevatana on RN 04 , 16°19’10” S, 46°48’48” E, 43 m a.s.l., 17–24. VIII. 2003, deciduous forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH; 1 male, same data but 24–31. VIII. 2003; 2 males, same data but 7–14. IX. 2003; 1 male, same data but 28. IX – 5. X. 2003; 1 male, same data but 2–20. XI. 2003; 1 male, Madagascar, Mahajanga Province, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park , 3.4 km E of Bekapaka , 19°08’31” S, 44°49’41” E, 50 m a.s.l., 6–10. XI. 2001, tropical dry forest, Malaise trap, leg.: F, G, et al.; 1 male, Madagascar, Toliara Province, Andohahela National Park, Forêt d’Ambohibory , 1.7 km ENE of Tsimelahy , 24°55’48” S, 46°38’44” E, 300 m a.s.l., 16–20. I. 2002, tropical dry forest, leg.: F, G. et al.; 1 male, Madagascar, Toliara Province, Andohahela National Park, Ihazofotsy, Parcelle III , 24°50’05” S, 46°29’21” E, 80 m a.s.l., 28. IV – 6. V . 2003, dry spiny forest, Malaise trap, leg.: I, FP & HH; 2 males, same data but 20. V – 3. VI . 2003 ; 2 males, same data but 21–29. VI . 2003 ; 1 male, same data but 13–24. VII. 2003; 3 males, same data but 24. VII – 3. VIII. 2003; 1 male, Madagascar, Toliara Province, Andohahela National Park, Tsimelahy , Parcelle II , 24°56’13” S, 46°37’36” E, 180 m a.s.l., 16–17. XII. 2002, transitional forest, Malaise trap, leg.: I, FP & HH; 1 male, same data but 22–29. VI . 2003 ; 2 males, same data but 10–21. IX. 2003; 2 males, same data but 21. IX – 10. X. 2003; 1 male, same data but 11–19. X. 2003; 2 males, Madagascar, Toliara Province, Berenty Special Reserve , 8 km NW of Amboasary , 25°00’24” S, 46°18’12” E, 85 m a.s.l., 16–27. XII. 2002, gallery forest, Malaise trap, leg.: I, FP & HH; 1 male, same data but 5–15. II. 2003; 1 male, same data but 7–17. III. 2003; 1 male, same data but 6–20. VI . 2004 ; 1 male, Madagascar, Toliara Province, Beza Mahafaly Reserve , Parcelle I, near to research station, 23°44’19” S, 44°35’28” E, 165 m a.s.l., 18–28. VII. 2002, dry deciduous forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH; 1 male, Madagascar, Toliara Province, Cap Sainte Marie Special Reserve , 14.9 km W of Morovato , 25°35’40” S, 45°08’49” E, 160 m a.s.l., 13–19. II. 2002, spiny forest thicket, Malaise trap, leg.: F, G et al.; 1 male, Madagascar, Toliara Province, Cap Sainte Marie Special Reserve , 12.3 km W of Morovato , 25°34’54” S, 45°10’06” E, 200 m a.s.l., 11–15. II. 2002, spiny forest thicket, Malaise trap, leg.: F, G et al.; 1 male, Madagascar, Toliara Province, Mikea Forest , NW of Manambo , 22°54’48” S, 43°28’56” E, 37 m a.s.l., 16–20. XII. 2001, spiny forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH; 1 male, same data but 8–18. IV. 2002; 3 males, Madagascar, Toliara Province, Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, Forêt de Bemanateza , 23 km E of Beheloka , 23°59’32” S, 43°52’50” E, 90 m a.s.l., 22–26. III. 2002, spiny forest thicket, Malaise trap, leg.: F, G et al.; 1 male, Madagascar, Toliara Province, Zambitse National Park , 22°50’25” S, 44°43’52” E, 825 m a.s.l., 14–21. II. 2002, deciduous spiny forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH; 1 male, same data but 1–14. VIII. 2002; 1 male, Madagascar, Toliara Province, Zambitse National Park , near to ANGAP office, 22°53’11” S, 44°14’32” E, 840 m a.s.l., 28. II – 6. III. 2002, deciduous spiny forest, Malaise trap, leg.: HH. Most of the paratypes are deposited in the collection of CAS , while four housed in HNHM.

Description: Length of the body 1.3–1.9 mm. Head capsule light or medium brown, but genae may be dark brown. Eyes large, black. Antennae light or medium brown, 1.1–1.3 mm, 28–31 segmented. Length-width relation of the antennal segments rather variable; scape usually slightly wider than long, but in some cases slightly (up to 1.2 times) longer than wide. Pedicel 1.1–1.5 times longer than wide. Flagellar segments in the basal half of antennae 1.4–2 times wider than long, while in the apical half about as wide as long, or only slightly wider. Ordinary hairs of the flagellar segments situated in two rather irregular rings. Setae moderately long. Scale-like hairs are scattered on large part of pedicel, and eral view, 107 = male internal genitalia, ventral view, 108 = additional sclerite, penis and proximal part of parameres, dorsal view. Abbreviation: as = additional sclerite. Scales: 0.04 mm arranged in a dense, dark or medium brown apical whorl on the pedicel and also on the majority of flagellomeres, with exception of the acron. Besides, scale-like hairs are scattered also on the other parts of pedicel, and the thickness of the above mentioned apical whorls is lessening towards the apex of the flagellum. Palpi light brown.

Thorax pale ochreous, thoracal apodemes and sutures medium or light brown, shoulder spots dark or medium brown. Wing membrane and veins light brown. Length of the fore wing 1.5– 1–8 mm, of hind wing 1.2–1.5 mm.

Male terminalia ( Figs 103–108) well sclerotized, dark brown. Hypandrium in lateral view 1.5 times higher than long. Processus terminalis in lateral view prominent. Median incision of this sclerite indistinct. Processus lateralis rounded subtriangular, distinct but moderately large. Anterior apodeme of hypandrium narrow but continuous. Its lateral part somewhat undulated, with a thin dorsal hook. Gonarcus rather large, in lateral view bulky. Its ventral apodeme strong, with a more or less finely and bluntly jagged ventral line and with a short or moderately long apical tooth. Stylus unforked, broad and forming a well sclerotized bridge below the parameres. Paramere strong, its proximal part in lateral view especially broad. Processus apicalis of this organ consists of a slightly hooked, dorsally directed thorn which is a continuation of an outer keel originated from the middle of the paramere, and a wide inner lobe which is continued caudally in the usual transverse structure. Processus ventralis of paramere small but distinct. Penis is a paired sclerite, with a dibber-like, in lateral view broad and hooked distal, and a tapering, pointed proximal part. Above the penis there is a thin additional sclerite, originated near to the middle part of parameres, and visible in dorsal or in caudal view.

Remarks: Coniopteryx (X.) tuleariensis sp. n. belongs to the Coniopteryx bicuspis group sensu SZIRÁKI (2005). Because of the similar structure of paramere, the flagellar segments of male antennae and the presence of a well sclerotized bridge below the parameres Coniopteryx bicuspis Tjeder, 1957 should be regarded as its closest relative.

The main distinctive features of the new species are:

− the rather large gonarcus, with a caudal tooth;

− in lateral view prominent processus terminalis of hypandrium;

− presence of a distinct processus lateralis;

− the dibber-like, hooked and in lateral view broad distal part of the paired penis.

Etymology: The new species is named after the earlier name of the Toliara Province, where the holotype and large part of paratypes were collected.