Alterosa inappendiculata, new species

Fig. 8 A–D

Alterosa inappendiculata sp. nov. is distinctive within the genus and cannot be placed in any existing species group as defined by Blahnik (2005). The new species is easily diagnosed by the apparent absence of intermediate and preanal appendages. Additionally, the long row of stout rod-like setae at midlength of tergum X is also a useful diagnostic character for this species.

Adult. Color (in alcohol) dark brown; legs, palps, and antennae pale brown, wing pattern not discernible. Male forewings each 5.4 mm (n=1).

Male genitalia. Tergum VIII with posteromesal margin scarcely or not emarginate. Sternum IX with anterolateral margin broadly rounded, especially in dorsal half; posteroventral margin moderately produced, extending in broad arc or nearly linearly from dorsal (Fig. 8 A) or ventral views. Tergum IX greatly reduced, membranous or fused to base of tergum X (Fig. 8 B). Tergum X subrectangular as viewed laterally, in dorsal view slightly constricted in basal half, with rounded protrusion bearing rod-like setae at midlength, tapered and subtriangular in apical half; apex sensillate, large, rounded as viewed dorsally, truncate in lateral view (Figs. 8 A, 8B). Intermediate and preanal appendages apparent absence (Figs. 8 A, 8B). Inferior appendages elongate, setose; 1st article, in lateral view, approximately 2 times as long as wide, slightly bulging mesally, laterally, and ventrally in middle; 2nd article subequal in length to 1st article, relatively wide, base nearly as wide as apex of 1st article; apex rounded, with small pad of short, stiff apicomesal setae (Figs. 8 A, 8C). Phallobase tubular, short, weakly curved at midlength; endotheca without evident spines or phallotremal sclerites (Fig. 8 D).

Holotype male: BRAZIL: Paraná: Guaraqueçaba, Reserva Natural de Salto Morato, small tributary of Rio Morato, 25°09’53.9”S, 48°17’54.3”W, el. 55 m, 25.i.2011, JL Nessimian & RB Braga leg. (DZRJ 3487).

Distribution: Brazil (Paraná state).

Etymology: The epithet of the specific name, inappendiculata, is from the Latin word appendicis (appendages) and the prefix in- (not, without), referring to the apparent absence of intermediate and preanal appendages.