Itauara ovis Robertson & Holzenthal

Robertson, Desiree R. & Holzenthal, Ralph W., 2011, Revision of the Neotropical caddisfly genus Itauara Mueller, 1888 (Trichoptera, Glossosomatidae), ZooKeys 114, pp. 41-100 : 62-64

Itauara ovis Robertson & Holzenthal sp. n. Fig. 17 A–C

Description.

Perhaps the most notable feature of this species is the extremely curved, ram-like shaped parameres. Itauara spiralis sp. n., also has highly curved, spiral shaped parameres, but in Itaura spiralis , the paramere is curved along the entire length of the paramere, whereas in Itaura ovis , the paramere is curved basally, but straight distally. The 2 species differ in other respects, including the shape of the inferior appendage process. In Itaura ovis , the inferior appendage process is elongate, and rather inflated apically; in Itaura spiralis , the inferior appendage process is bifid. The 2 species also differ in the shape of tergum X. In Itaura ovis , tergum X is slightly notched apicomesally and has 2 pairs of rather small, subtriangular ventrolateral processes. In Itaura spiralis , tergum X is not notched, but has a pair of very long, finger-like dorsomesal processes and a pair of very broad, irregular ventrolateral processes. The phallicata of Itaura ovis is also quite distinct, being rather broad, and saddle-shaped, with a dorsobasal hump and upturned apex.

Adult. Body, wings, and appendages fuscous, intermingled with rufous or golden hairs, tibia and tarsi tawny brown. Wings often with a few pale cream-colored or white hairs at arculus. Forewing relatively narrow, with margins nearly parallel, apex subacute. Forewing venation incomplete, with apical forks I, II, and III present; fork I sessile; fork II petiolate, stem about the same length as fork; fork III petiolate, stem longer than fork; Cu1 complete, reaching wing margin; Cu1 and Cu2 intersecting near anastomosis; row of erect setae present along Cu2; A3 absent; crossveins forming a relatively linear transverse cord; discoidal cell longer than Rs vein. Hind wing narrow and slightly scalloped past anastomosis; apical forks II and V present; Sc and R1 fused basally; A2 absent. Tibial spurs 1,4,4, foretibial spur extremely reduced and hairlike. Sixth sternal process short and digitate, apex attenuate and pointed, associated with strong oblique apodeme posteriorly.

Male genitalia. Preanal appendages absent. Segment IX ventrally narrow, broad medially; anterior margin rounded; posterolateral margin lightly sclerotized; sternum IX without modification. Tergum X incompletely fused to tergum IX with membrane or lightly sclerotized region ventrolaterally; dorsomesal margin subtriangular, slightly produced with small cleft; dorsolateral margin without processes; ventrolateral margin with an outer pair of subtriangular setose processes directed ventrally, and an inner pair of subtriangular processes directed posteroventrally. Inferior appendages present as single, rather elongate setose process produced mesally, apex broad and slightly irregular, fused to phallobase ventrobasally. Parameres present, paired, inserted in membranous lobe, arising laterally from endotheca, sclerotized and rod-like, ram-like, curving 360 degrees at base, distal portion straight, directed posteriorly, apex pointed. Phallobase extremely reduced and difficult to discern. Phallicata forming a saddle-shaped sclerotized dorsal sheath, with dorsal hump basally, distal portion curving upward. Endophallus membranous, enlarged and convoluted when evaginated, with pair of elongate lateral sclerites ventrally.

Material examined.

Holotype male: GUYANA: Kanuku Mountains: Kumu River & Falls, 03°15'54"N, 059°43'30"W, 28-30.iv.1995 (O.S. Flint) (UMSP000118534) (NMNH)

Paratypes: VENEZUELA: Bolivar: La Escalera, 108 km. S Rio Cuyuni, 11-12.ii.1976 (C. & O. Flint) - 5 males (NMNH).

Etymology.

The name ovis, comes from the Latin for sheep, and is suggested by the shape of the parameres, which are reminiscent of a ram’s horn.