Oxyethira (unplaced) rafaeli sp. nov.

Fig. 6A–6 D

Oxyethira sp. 5 Takiya et al. 2016: 172

Description. Holotype. Length: 2.0 mm. General color pale brown (in alcohol). Head without modifications. General pattern of Neotropical Oxyethira . Sternum VII with posterior mesoventral process (Figs. 6A, 6 C).

Male genitalia: Segment VIII annular, covered with setae; sternum VIII with V-shaped posteromesal incision (Fig. 6A); tergum with posterior margin produced into two rounded lobes separated by tiny V-shaped notch (Fig. 6 B). Segment IX retracted in segment VIII, with two pair of dorsal processes: Dorsal pair straight, digitiform, in lateral view slightly curved caudoventrad and reaching posterior margin of segment VIII, ventral pair encircling the first pair laterally, both covered by the lobes of segment VIII in dorsal and lateral views (Figs. 6 B, 6C); sternum produced anteriorly, reaching into posterior area of segment VII, with anterior margin broadly rounded, almost truncate (Fig. 6A); tergum reduced. Inferior appendages short, darkened apically (Fig. 6A); in ventral view fused to sternum IX basally, digitiform and diverging apically (Fig. 6A); in lateral view subrectangular, with nearly same width throughout (Fig. 6 C). Subgenital plate conspicuous; in ventral and dorsal views consisting of two wide, membranous lobes (Figs. 6A, 6 B); in lateral view slightly expanded anteroventrad. Bilobed process with short lobes, each with small apical seta (Figs. 6A, 6 B). Tergum X membranous. Phallus simple, tubular, without spines or processes, apex angled left about 45°; ejaculatory duct not protruding (Fig. 6 D).

Remarks. The new species is similar to O. spissa and O. diplospissa sp. nov. in having segment VIII with the posterodorsal margin expanded into two lobes and segment IX bearing dorsal processes. Oxyethira rafaeli sp. nov. can be differentiated from these by the processes of segment IX, which has one long pair almost straight and digitiform, and another encircling that first pair, both being enclosed within segment VIII; and also by the subgenital plate consisting of two membranous apical lobes.

Etymology. This species is named after the Brazilian entomologist Dr. José Albertino Rafael, who coordinated the project “Pesquisa em Unidades de Conservação do Bioma Caatinga,” which made possible the expeditions to Ubajara (Ceará State) and Piracuruca (Piauí State).

Material examined. Holotype. BRAZIL: Piauí: Piracuruca, Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades, Riacho Piedade, 4°06'34''S, 41°43'39''W, 169 m, 19–21.vi.2012, DM Takiya, JA Rafael, RR Cavichioli & F. Limeira-de- Oliveira cols., Malaise, 1 ♂ (CZMA) . Paratypes. Same data as holotype, except Poço da Bananeira, 4°05'56''S, 41°40'34''W, 189 m, 19.iv.2012, DM Takiya, light trap, 4 ♂ (DZRJ) . Same data as holotype, except, Cachoeira do Riachão, 4°06'58''S, 41°40'13''W, 171 m, 18.iv.2012, DM Takiya, light trap, 3 ♂ (DZRJ) . Bahia: Piatã, Fazenda Machado, riacho Machado, 13°11'00”S, 41°46'00”W [aproximate coordinate], 30.vi.2010, AR Calor, light trap, 4 ♂ (MZUFBA).