Paroxyethira opposita, Wells & Johanson, 2012

Wells, A. & Johanson, K. A., 2012, Review of the New Caledonian species of Paroxyethira Mosely, 1924 (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae), Zootaxa 3478, pp. 330-344 : 335

Paroxyethira opposita , new species

Figs 13–15

This species most closely resembles P. asymmetrica but differs in having the left gonopod short, not the right, and in lacking any lateral lobes on abdominal segment IX. It is distinguished from other species with markedly unequal gonopods by the very short phallic sheath. The female is unknown.

Male antennae each with 21 flagellomeres.

Forewing length. Male 1.9 mm.

Male genitalia ( Figs 13–15). Median process on abdominal sternite VIII stoutly spatulate; length about 3x width at middle. Abdominal segment IX apico-lateral angles not produced; dorsally with distal margin narrowly cleft. Gonopods unequal; right elongate, more than 2x length of left; both bearing dense brushes of stout black setae. Phallic apparatus as in Fig. 5, forming slender, straight, elongate tube; constricted at 1/4 length at which constriction arises short, threadlike titillator. Phallic sheath ( Fig. 14) short, broad; in ventral view conical; 1 seta at apex of cone, 1 seta dorsally, 1 stout black spur near base on left; proximally with anteriorly directed apodeme.

Female: unknown.

Holotype male: Province Nord, Plaine des Gaïacs, Rivière Rouge, 14.2 km NW summit of Mt. Rouge , 50 m upstream road RT1 Noumea-Koné , 20°31.573'S, 164°46.690'E, 23 m, 2.i.2004, light trap, loc#104, leg. K.A. Johanson ( MNHP).

Etymology: Opposita, named for the conversely arranged gonopods in comparison with P. asymmetrica .