Leucotrichia chiriquiensis Flint, 1970

Thomson, Robin E. & Holzenthal, Ralph W., 2015, A revision of the Neotropical caddisfly genus Leucotrichia Mosely, 1934 (Hydroptilidae, Leucotrichiinae), ZooKeys 499, pp. 1-100 : 14-15

Taxon classification Animalia Trichoptera Hydroptilidae

Leucotrichia chiriquiensis Flint, 1970 Figs 4A, 13

chiriquiensis Flint, 1970: 6 [Type locality: Panama, Chiriqui, Alto Lino above Boquete; NMNH; male; larva, case].

Diagnosis.

Leucotrichia chiriquiensis is most similar to Leucotrichia botosaneanui , Leucotrichia hispida sp. n., Leucotrichia limpia , and Leucotrichia viridis . These species share a similar combination of characteristics present in the phallus and the posterolateral margin of sternum VIII, as discussed under Leucotrichia botoseaneanui . This species differs from the other 4 in having a small set of dorsal hooks between the apical lobes of the phallus apex. It can most easily be separated from the others by the modifications of the antennae and head.

Description.

Male. Length of forewing 2.1-2.9 mm (n=31). Head (Fig. 4A) with short, black, contiguous setae anteriorly (which leave irregular shapes when removed) and a pair of internal structures filled with similar setae, with 3 ocelli; antennae with scape elongate, anterior face indented and filled with dense patch of setae. Dorsum of head dark brown with light yellow setae; thorax dark brown with yellow setae dorsally, brown ventrally; leg segments with brown setae. Forewings covered with fine yellow setae, apical 1/4 with patch of brown setae. Genitalia. Abdominal sternum VII with slender, elongate mesoventral process with apex enlarged, rugose in ventral view. Sternum VIII in ventral view with posterior margin concave. Segment IX anterolateral margin broadly produced dorsolaterally, posterolateral margin with shallow mesal depression; in dorsal view anterior margin concave, posterior margin broadly convex. Tergum × with dorsal sclerite slender, bent ventrad; ventral sclerite semielliptic with tridentate posterior margin; membranous apex suborbicular. Subgenital plate bent mesally; with dorsal arm not apparent; ventral arm tapering apically, curved ventrad, in ventral view base subtriangular and apex rounded. Inferior appendage dorsomesally “humped,” bearing single dorsal spine; in ventral view with small subapical emargination on inner margin. Phallus with median complex bearing elongate basal supports, apex bearing pair of elongate lateral sclerites and pair of dorsal hooks between pair of apical lobes.

Material examined.

Holotype male (pharate): PANAMA: Chiriqui: Alto Line above Boquete, 16-17.vii.1967, O.S. Flint, Jr. and Ortiz, (in alcohol) (USNM 70896) (NMNH). Paratypes: Same data as holotype, 2 males, 1 female (pharates) (in alcohol) (NMNH). Nontypes: COSTA RICA: Cartago, Reserva Tapantí, Río Grande de Orosi, elev. 1650 m, 9.686N, 83.756W, 18-21.iii.1987, Holzenthal, Hamilton, and Heyn, 28 males; Cartago, Reserva Tapantí, Río Grande de Orosi, elev. 1650 m, 9.686°N, 83.756°W, 18-21.iii.1987, Holzenthal, Hamilton, and Heyn, 5 females (UMSP).

Etymology.

Presumably named for Chiriquí Province in Panama, where the holotype was collected.