Synapte silius (Latreille, [1824])

Carneiro, Mielke, Olaf H. H. & M, Mirna, 2013, Thorax and abdomen morphology of some Neotropical Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera), Insecta Mundi 2013 (327), pp. 1-47 : 14-15

Synapte silius (Latreille, [1824])

Cervix and Prothorax. The dorsal-ventral distance of the cervix is proportionally a little smaller than the one observed in the previous species ( Fig. 4 ). The presence of the cervical organ was not observed.

The dorsal plate of the cordiform pronotum presents sclerotization on the lateral-dorsal margin, continuing ventrally and gradually disappearing ( Fig. 8). The posterior margin of the extension has a median recess providing the structure with a bifid appearance. The apophysis has a short base and branches are slightly longer than in the other species. The posterior band of the parapatagia is well sclerotized, unlike the trochantin, which form a triangle-shaped structure located dorsally on the coxa ( Fig. 65 ). The small thin bars located on the posterior edges of the pronotal dorsal membrane are laterally dislocated to the lateral ends of the membrane.

Mesothorax. It is of intermediate size, having proportions similar to those of Urbanus teleus , though without oblique sulci ( Fig. 16 ). Among the notal wing processes, the most evident is the anterior, which is ventrally projected, forming a hook on the apex, with the end turned posteriorly. The other processes are similar to those in previously described Pyrginae ( Fig. 12 ).

Ventrally, the subtegula II presents a shape similar to that of the Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis . However, beside the basalare it is reduced to a small oval sclerite. The subalare sclerites are narrow on its median region, and their extensions are not very prominent. The tegula is similar to Urbanus teleus , though presenting an irregular ventral orifice and a reduced membranous area ( Fig. 24 ).

The anepisternum II presents, besides an anepisternal suture II as long as in Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis and Pyrgus orcus , another inconspicuous dorsal-ventral line that crosses the posterior half of the sclerite ( Fig. 20 and 53 ). The coxal suture II ventrally separates the entire katepisternum II from the basisternum II. Likewise, the marginopleural suture reaches the precoxal suture II and separates a small sclerite ventral to the katepisternum II ( Fig. 12 ). The ventral articulations of the coxa II are inserted on the median crest between the coxae, posteriorly on the discrimen II. Epimeron II is similar to the one in Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis ( Fig. 20 ).

Metathorax. The marginopleural suture III, though incomplete, is longer than those in the Pyrginae observed herein, leaving just a small ventral portion still blended to the katepisternum III ( Fig. 28 ). In the epimeron III, the same dorsal recess found in Urbanus teleus is also visible in all the studied specimens.

Legs. The femur I is longer, surpassing twice the length of the tibia I ( Fig. 32 ). The basicostal suture III is developed, oblique and contiguous to the pleural suture III. The meron II presents a differentiated triangular dorsal sclerite, as observed in the Pyrginae ( Fig. 20 ). The pre-tarsus is similar to that of Pyrrhopyge charybdis ( Fig. 61 ).

Wings. Wingspan pattern similar to that of Pyrgus orcus , measuring approximately 27 mm. Venation is similar to that of Pyrgus orcus ( Fig. 36 ). The discal cell is of proportional size, the dcs vein is small, there is no sexual dimorphism along the insertion distance of the M 1 in relation to R 4+5 and the 3A veins are equally reduced, provided with extensions and sexually differentiated distances, similar to the previous species. The M 2 vein is closer to the M 3 than to M 1 at the base, and the dcm, dci, and M 2 veins are not well delimited in both wings. Males do not present a costal crease.

Long scales are located on the costal margin the hind wings ( Fig. 49 ). The same humeral vein and slim M 2, present in Pyrgus orcus , are observed. There are no significant sexual differences in the extension of the m-cu.

Abdomen. The tergal lobe is weakly sclerotized and distinguished in males because of its great development ( Fig. 72 and 73 ). The prespiracular bar is similar to those of the Pyrginae studied here, distinguishable from the first sternum by a clear suture. Conversely, the postspiracular bar is strongly projected towards the ventral area, even though it does not meet the second sternum either. The tergopleural bar is similar to those of Urbanus teleus and Pyrgus orcus . The first tergum is as developed as it is in Pyrgus orcus while the first sternum does not present any keel-shaped ventral prominences. The last pregenital segment does not present either membranous recesses or punctuation for bristle insertion. The last tergum is rectangular with an arched posterior edge in females, along with a small semicircular recess ( Fig. 86 and 87 ). The sterna are laterally reduced, with sinuous lateral edges in males and parallel edges in females ( Fig. 88 and 89 ).

Male Genitalia. The tegument is reduced to a small dorsal plate, flattened dorsal-ventrally and semi-oval in shape (in dorsal view). The uncus is U-shaped, presenting widely separated thin arms, whose basal area is covered by a thick cluster of bristles located on its anterior margin ( Fig. 101 ). Ventrally, the membranous area has the shape of a long vase, where another pair of sinuous plates can be seen laterally that are adhered to the arms of the gnathos, which are slightly sclerotized. The gnathos is distinctly projected posteriorly, allowing its visualization in dorsal view, and is made up of a pair of tubular arms with a rounded apex. The fultura inferior is U-shaped, bigger than in Pyrgus orcus , due to the more developed anterior projections ( Fig. 105 ).

The saccus is not dorsally projected, and is reduced to a small anterior dilatation, measuring ¼ the length of the ninth segment ( Fig. 96 ). The dorsal projections of the saccus are blended to the ventral ones of the tegumen. The valva is directly articulated to the saccus, without any specific articulation insertion, forming a single lobular arm, posteriorly rounded. The harpe has a sinuous dorsal margin, and the apical margin is provided with a cluster of bristles as in the other species ( Fig. 97 ). The costa is almost imperceptible in lateral view at the base of the valva, being similar to a thin edge near the base of insertion of the valva. However, a partially superimposed tooth posteriorly to the costa is directed towards the margin of the harpe. The sacculus is represented by just a small shortened basal crease, reaching around one third of the height of the valva.

The aedoeagus is small in extension and wide in thickness ( Fig. 109 ). Its truncated ends display a rectangular appearance, instead of the baton shape observed in the other species. Additionally, there is a membranous dorsal spot which is triangular and elongated on the dorsal and distal ends. The vesica is not reversed on the dissected individuals and a helicoidal cornuti full of small thorns all over its surface, can be seen internally.

Female Genitalia. The whole genitalia in Synapte silius clearly does not follows the direction of body axis like in the other species observed herein. In this species, the genitalia is directed ventrally, assuming a 45° with body longitudinal axes, as evidenced by the position of anal papillae, in comparison to the last tergum ( Fig. 113 ).

The sterigma is absent due to the lack of sclerotization of the postvaginal lamella. The antevaginal lamella, which is quite evident, is formed by two rectangular plates that are ventrally united by a membrane ( Fig. 117 ). Posteriorly, in ventral view, a membranous area between the anal papillae is observed which is provided with sclerotized areas that are not seen in the other species.

The anal papillae are higher than wide, and present the same lack of sclerotization of the anterior portion, which is also present in Urbanus teleus . The anterior apophyses are inserted anteriorly, and are shorter than those in Urbanus teleus , also presenting a triangular dilatation next to their insertion. Subsequent to the ostium bursa, there is a short cylinder which is slightly sclerotized, presenting striation on its lateral margins. Posteriorly, the rest of the duct of the bursa is entirely membranous like the body itself, and gradually dilating towards a globular apex. The spermatophore was not found in any of the specimens observed.

Figures

Figures 1-4. Lateral view of cervical sclerite and prothorax. 1) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 2) Urbanus teleus; 3) Pyrgus orcus; 4) Synapte silius.

Figures 58- 65. Lateral view of last tarsomere and pretarsum I (Fig. 58 to 61), and trochantin I (Fig. 62 to 65). 58, 62) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 59, 63) Urbanus teleus; 60, 64) Pyrgus orcus; 61, 65) Synapte silius. a: trochantin I.

Figures 13-16. Dorsal view of mesothorax and metathorax. 13) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 14) Urbanus teleus; 15) Pyrgus orcus; 16) Synapte silius.

Figures 9-12. Ventral view of cervix and thorax. 9) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 10) Urbanus teleus; 11) Pyrgus orcus; 12) Synapte silius.

Figures 21-24. Lateral view of internal surface of tegula. 21) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 22) Urbanus teleus; 23) Pyrgus orcus; 24) Synapte silius.

Figures 17-20. Lateral view of mesothorax. 17) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 18) Urbanus teleus; 19) Pyrgus orcus; 20) Synapte silius.

Figures 50- 57. Lateral view of anepisternum II (Fig. 50 to 53) and coxopleural articulation II (Fig. 54 to 57). 50, 54) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 51, 55) Urbanus teleus; 52, 56) Pyrgus orcus; 53, 57) Synapte silius.

Figures 25-28. Lateral view of metathorax. 25) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 26) Urbanus teleus; 27) Pyrgus orcus; 28) Synapte silius.

Figures 29-32: Internal surface of prothoracic, mesothoracic and metathoracic legs (left to right). 29) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 30) Urbanus teleus*; 31) Pyrgus orcus; 32) Synapte silius*. *External surface illustrated.

Figures 33-36. Dorsal view of clarified mesothoracic and metathoracic wings of males (left) and females (right). 33) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 34) Urbanus teleus; 35) Pyrgus orcus; 36) Synapte silius.

Figures 42- 49. Details of wing-coupling mechanism viewed on ventral mesothoracic wingbase (left) and dorsal metathoracic wingbase (right). 42, 43) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 44, 45) Urbanus teleus; 46, 47) Pyrgus orcus; 48, 49) Synapte silius.

Figures 70-73. Lateral view of male (Fig. 70, 72) and female (Fig. 71, 73) abdomens. 70, 71) Pyrgus orcus; 72, 73) Synapte silius.

Figures 74-89. Dorsal view from last tergum (two left columns) and ventral view from sternum (two right columns): 74 to 77) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 78 to 81) Urbanus teleus; 82 to 85) Pyrgus orcus; 86 to 89) Synapte silius.

Figures 98-105. Dorsal (left) and ventral (right) view of ninth and tenth tergum of male genitalia. 98) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 99) Urbanus teleus; 100) Pyrgus orcus; 101) Synapte silius. 102-105. Posterior view of fultura inferior. 102) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 103) Urbanus teleus; 104) Pyrgus orcus; 105) Synapte silius.

Figures 90-97. Lateral view of external surface of male genitalia (left), and internal surface of valvae (right). 90, 91) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 92, 93) Urbanus teleus; 94, 95) Pyrgus orcus; 96, 97) Synapte silius.

Figures 106-109. Different views of the penis: left lateral, right lateral, ventral and dorsal views (top to bottom). 106) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 107) Urbanus teleus; 108) Pyrgus orcus; 109) Synapte silius.

Figures 110-113. Lateral view of eighth, ninth and tenth segments which form the female genitalia 110) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 111) Urbanus teleus; 112) Pyrgus orcus; 113) Synapte silius.

Figures 114-117. Ventral view of female genitalia. 114) Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis; 115) Urbanus teleus; 116) Pyrgus orcus; 117) Synapte silius.