Alterosa catarinae, new species

Fig. 6 A–D

Alterosa catarinae sp. nov. cannot readily be placed in any existing species group, as defined by Blahnik (2005). However, the structure of the intermediate appendages are quite similar to those of A. sanctipauli Group. The new species is probably most similar to Alterosa boraceiae Blahnik 2005 and resembles that species in having elongate, brushed, basally branched intermediate appendages. It differs from A. boraceiae in that the lateral branches are shorter, forming only a small protuberance, and in having the intermediate appendages bent downward beneath tergum X, armed with stout setae. Additionally, the robust tergum X abruptly narrowing at its apex is also a useful diagnostic character for this species.

Adult. Color (in alcohol) brown; legs, palps, and antennae pale brown, forewing pattern not discernible. Male forewings each 5.0 mm (n=1); female forewings each 5.8 mm (n=1).

Male genitalia. Tergum VIII with posteromesal margin deeply emarginate, emargination V-shaped and extending more than halfway to anterior margin. Sternum IX with anterolateral margin broadly rounded; posteroventral margin greatly produced, extending in broad arc or almost linearly from dorsum (Fig. 6 A). Tergum IX greatly reduced, membranous or fused to base of tergum X (Fig. 6 B). Tergum X robust, dome-shaped, wide, abruptly tapered subapically, slightly constricted basally; apex rounded, sensillate (Figs. 6 A, 6B). Intermediate appendages heavily sclerotized, elongate, extending past preanal appendages, bent downward beneath tergum X, branched basally, lateral branch very short, forming a small protuberance, mesal branch stick-like, with small, stout setae; apices rounded (Figs. 6 A, 6B). Preanal appendages club-like, moderately elongate, not greatly modified, with scant small setae; apices rounded (Figs. 6 A, 6B). Inferior appendages elongate, setose; each with 1st article, in lateral view, approximately 2 times as long as wide; 2nd article shorter than 1st article, base slightly narrower than apex of 1st article, constricted mesally; apex rounded, with small pad of short, stiff apicomesal setae (Figs. 6 A, 6C). Phallobase tubular, short, weakly curved at midlength; endotheca with patch of short, needle-like spines at midlength; phallotremal sclerites indistinct (Fig. 6 D).

Holotype male: BRAZIL: Santa Catarina: Blumenau, Parque Ecológico Spitzkopf, Ribeirão do Caeté, 27°00’22.6”S, 49°06’50.4”W, el. 130 m, 22.i.2011, DM Takiya & APM Santos leg. (DZRJ 3495).

Paratypes: Same data as holotype, 1 female (DZRJ 3496).

Distribution: Brazil (Santa Catarina state).

Etymology: The epithet of the specific name, catarinae, refers to Santa Catarina, the southern Brazilian state where the holotype specimen was collected.