Dasyhelea (D.) patiae sp. nov. (Figs. 2 A–J)

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 95B13FD2-6EBD-4973-A944-A3C65909AA0D

Material examined. Holotype male, 7 male paratypes, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, 04.04.2017, Malaise trap, leg. A. Saji & A. van Harten.

Diagnosis. Males of this new species are readily distinguishable from other species of this subgenus in that the apicolateral processes of abdominal tergite 9 are greatly reduced and the short, broad median process of the parameres with a few apical setae. Females unknown.

Description. Male. Body dark brown, scutellum yellow, haltere dark, legs pale with dark brown tarsomeres 5, abdominal pleurae yellowish. Eyes pubescent. Flagellum 0.56-0.61 mm long, distal 4 flagellomeres elongate, terminal flagellomere with cylindrical prolongation (Fig. 2A, B), AR 0.75-0.83. Frons broad, elliptical with narrow prolongation not reaching clypeus (Fig. 2C), clypeus composed of two sclerites: proximal and distal, each with 3 pairs of setae. Palpus 5-segmented, 3 rd segment cylindrical (Fig. 2D), length 37.5-40 μm; 4 th segment with 3 setae but without sensilla capitata. Wing length 0.82-0.88 mm, CR 0.45-0.46, entire wing membrane covered with macrotrichia, first radial cell absent, second one small, indistinct (Fig. 2E). Tarsal ratio of fore leg TR(1) 2.6-2.8; mid leg TR(2) 2.9; hind leg TR(3) 2.4-2.8. Genitalia small (Fig. 2F); sternite 9 short, with extended mesal portion, the apex of which is concave evenly rounded emargination; tergite 9 with greatly reduced apicolateral processes (Fig. 2G); gonocoxite moderately broad; gonostylus slightly curved, covered with short setae, apex beak-like (Fig. 2H); aedeagus U-shaped, with low basal arch (Fig. 2I); median process of parameres slightly curved, blunt apex bearing fine setae (Fig. 2J).

Female. Unknown.

Etymology. This new species is named in honour of our good friend Patrycja Dominiak in recognition of her important contributions to the study of Palaearctic biting midges.

Discussion. The male genitalia of the new species are somewhat similar to those of Dasyhelea fontana De Meillon & Wirth, 1981 from South Africa in that tergite 9 has greatly reduced apicolateral processes. However, the mid-section of the median process of the parameres is swollen whereas its apex is slender and pointed. In this new species, the median process of the parameres is very broad, with a blunt apex.