Varta japonica sp. nov.

Figs 58–63.

Coloration and structure similar to that in V. rubrostriata .

Male genitalia: Pygophore similar to that in V. rubrostriata but ventral processes slen­ der, throughout their length, acutely pointed distally. Denticles on segment X very small. Aedeagal shaft longer than in V. rubsrostriata with slender, ventro­apical process. Style with basally stout apophysis, narrowing to an acute apex.

Measurements: Male 5.8 (5.6–6.2) mm long, 1.3 (1.2–1.3) mm wide across hind margin of head, 1.4 (1.3–1.5) mm wide across hind margin of pronotum. Female 6.8 mm long, 1.4 mm wide across hind margin of head, 1.6 mm wide across hind margin of pronotum.

Material examined: JAPAN: holotype ɗ, Fujisawa: Kanagawa Pref.: Endô, 6.x.1986, M. Hayashi leg, Coll. M. Hayashi, Saitama Univ. (BMNH). Paratypes: JAPAN: 1Ψ, data as for holotype; 1 ɗ, 1Ψ, Honshu: Saitama Pref.: Urawa (Akigse), 10.vii.1984, M. Hayashi et al., Coll. M. Hayashi Saitama Univ.; 1Ψ, same data but collected on 22.ix.1984. 1ɗ, 1 Ψ, Ryukyus: Iriomote Is: Funaura, 27.iii.1985, M. Hayashi et al. Coll. M. Hayashi Saitama Univ. (BMNH, SU, UAS); S. CHINA: 1 ɗ, Fukien, Yungan City, 26.viii.1942, T.C. Maa (BPBM). Other material: C. TAIWAN: 1 ɗ, Tsuifeng, 2300 m, Nauntoun, Hsien, 23– 25.vi.1983, K.S. Lin & S.C.Lin (TARI).

Remarks: V. japonica is closely related to V. rubrostriata but differs in having longer more slender ventral pygophore processes and longer aedeagal shaft having a narrow based ventro­apical process.