Pityopsallus maeharai n. sp.

(Figs. 11 A−D; 12A−C, F−G; 16; 26A−F; 27A−E, J−L)

Material examined. Holotype (♂). JAPAN: Honshu, Tochigi Pref., Nikko, Yumoto, 36.81, 139.42, on Larix kaempferi, 18 Aug 2020, S. Maehara (AMNH) (AMNH _ PBI 00380706) . Paratypes: JAPAN: Honshu, same data as for holotype, 2♂ (TYCN) ; Tochigi Pref., Nikko City, Senjugahama, Lake Chuzenji, 36.75, 139.42, 25 Aug 2007, S. Maehara, 1♂ (TYCN) ; Nikko City, Chugushi, Lake Chuzenji, 24 Aug 2001, S. Maehara, 1♀ (TYCN) ; Nikko City, Shobugahama, Lake Chuzenji, 36.75, 139.45, S. Maehara, 1♀ (TYCN) ; Nagano Pref., Matsumoto City, Azumi, Japan Alps, Kamikochi, 36.25, 137.67, 1,500 m alt., 5 Aug 2004, M. Takai, 1♀ (TYCN) (00380707).

Diagnosis. Recognized by its uniformly darkened, relatively small body (Fig. 11 A−D); short labium whose apex does not exceed apex of mesocoxa; pale anterior margin of cuneus; distinctly notched inner surfaces of claws on pro- and metatarsi (Fig. 26D, F); relatively narrow left paramere sharply produced caudally (Fig. 12A); and thick vesica (Figs. 12C, 27C). Most similar and possibly closely allied to P. vittatus, the present new species can be distinguished by its shorter labium; claws of pro- and metalegs minutely notched; thicker vesica with longer apical blade; and wider interramal sclerite with minute comb-like scaly microstructures (Fig. 27 J−K).

Description. Body generally fuscous, elongate-oval, subparallel-sided (a little more ovoid in ♀) (Fig. 11A–D); dorsal surface weakly shining, with uniformly distributed, semierect, brown, simple setae and silvery, lanceolate setae. Head dark brown, relatively vertical; eye small. Antenna pale grayish brown; extreme base of segment I infuscate; segment II about as long as or slightly longer than mesotibia. Labium pale brown or sometimes widely darkened, reaching or slightly exceeding apex of mesocoxa. Pronotum uniformly fuscous; scutellum weakly elevated; thoracic pleura fuscous; metathoracic scent efferent system small. Hemelytra uniformly dark brown; anterior margin of cuneus pale, semitransparent; membrane pale smoky brown, with pale, semitransparent macula along apical part of cuneus. All coxae dark brown; trochanters pale brown; profemur pale brown, with darkened basal half; meso- and metafemora widely darkened, sometimes with spotted pattern, except for apices pale brown; tibiae somber yellowish brown, with small, obscure spots at bases of pale brown spines; tarsi somber brown; inner surface of claws on pro- and metatarsi with minutely notched (Fig. 26D, F). Abdomen almost uniformly fuscous. Male genitalia (Figs. 12 A−C; 27A−D): left paramere relatively narrow, sharply produced posteriad (Fig. 12A); vesica comparatively thick (Figs. 12C, 27C). Female genitalia (Figs. 12 F−G; 27K−L): Sclerotized rings reduced, indistinct (Fig. 12F); posterior wall with relatively wide interramal lobe and interramal sclerite (Fig. 27 K−L); apex of ovipositor (gonapophysis I) somewhat rounded (Fig. 12G).

Measurements: See Table 4.

Etymology. Named for Mr. S. Maehara (Tochigi, Japan) who collected most of the specimens of this new species.

Distribution. Japan (Central Honshu: Nagano and Tochigi).

Biology. The breeding host was confirmed as Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr. (Pinaceae) and the adults was collected in August at the type locality (Maehara, pers. comm.).