Triplectides koghiensis, new species

Figs 41–48, 94.

Diagnosis. This species is distinct from many other Triplectides species on the basis of the spur formula 2:2:2. It is distinguished from the remaining New Caledonian species, except sasali, in the genitalia by the narrow tergum X in dorsal and ventral views. It is distinguished from sasali by the shorter apicodorsal lobe of the inferior appendages in relation to the harpagones.

Male: Body colour light to medium brown (in alcohol). Tibial spur formula 2:2:2. Claws on all legs unmodified. Forewing (Figs 41, 43) length 7.5–9.0 mm (N=20); colour medium brown (in alcohol), with dark area around junction of R and Sc, light area a present round base of S4 and crossvein m-cu; forks 1, 2 and 5 present; fork 1 stalk about half as long as fork length; branching of m with stalk shorter than 1/3 fork length; Dc broadly triangular, less than half Tc length; distance between crossvein s and S4 shorter than length of S4, S4 meeting M at a distance shorter than length of S4, apically of crossvein m-cu. Hind wing (Fig. 42) forks 2, 3 and 5 present; S4 arising at mid-length of Dc. Nygma present in all wings in fork 2.

Genitalia (Figs 44–48): segment IX widest at mid-height, with ventral 1/3 slightly bent anterad; sternite IX with wide posterad projection centrally (Fig. 46). Superior appendages (Figs 44, 45) broad, about half as long as tergum X; apically rounded in dorsal view. Tergum X narrow, with prominent, bipartite, dorsobasal projection; in dorsal and ventral views (Figs 45, 46) narrowing apically; laterally folding around phallus; apex with small, central notch; apical margin bearing minute apicodorsal setae. Inferior appendages (Figs 44, 46) slender; apicodorsal lobes in length slightly exceeding harpagones; basoventral processes lanceolate in lateral view, directed posterolaterad, exceeding mesal lobes, not reaching base of harpagones; mesal lobes bearing no or single pair of setae, apically slightly concave (rugose), mesal part folded dorsally, lateral corners produced into rounded lobes, deeply separated from major branch. Phallus (Figs 47, 48) gently curving along its length; in ventral view parallel-sided along its length; apex v-shaped with lateral flanges.

Distribution. This species has been found only in the Koghi Mountains north of Noumea (Fig. 94).

Etymology. Name derived from type locality, Monts des Koghis.

Holotype male: New Caledonia: Province Sud: Monts des Koghis, ca 1.0 km from road RT1 between Noumea and Dumbéa, water reservoir, 22º10.919’S, 166º29.182’E, 91 m, 10.xi.2003, light trap, loc#020 [KA Johanson].

Paratypes: Province Sud: Monts des Koghis, ca 300 m S Koghi Restaurant, 22º18.288’S, 166º50.393’E, 447 m, 16–26.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#002 [KA Johanson] – 19 males.