Paroxyethira hamata, Wells & Johanson, 2012

Wells, A. & Johanson, K. A., 2012, Review of the New Caledonian species of Paroxyethira Mosely, 1924 (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae), Zootaxa 3478, pp. 330-344 : 338-339

Paroxyethira hamata , new species

Figs 21, 22

Closely resembling P. dzumac , new species, but distinguished by the stout, straplike subapical process on the phallic sheath and its pair of setae at almost equi-distance from base, in contrast to more slender apical process of P. dzumac with widely separated pair of setae. Also, the left gonopod of P. hamata is stouter and bears a lateral brush of black setae.

Male antennae each with 18 flagellomeres.

Forewing length. Male 2.0 mm (n=2).

Male genitalia ( Figs 21, 22). Median process on abdominal sternite VIII elongate spatulate; length about 5x width at middle. Abdominal segment IX dorsally with distal margin widely and deeply concave, forming lateral lobes that in ventral view are slender, elongate. Gonopods dissimilar; right gonopod stout, tapered distally to blunt apex; brush of equally long, stout black setae extending along mesal margin; closely joined at base to shorter, more slender left gonopod with brush of setae distolaterally. Phallic apparatus slender, straight, elongate; constricted at about 1/6 length at which constriction short, threadlike titillator arising. Phallic sheath elongate, with tapered, curved straplike process subapically and pair of large setae at about 2/3rds its length.

Female unknown.

Holotype male: Province Sud, Mt. Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River , downstream crosspoint to mountain track, 22°01.997'S, 166°28.486'E, 795 m, over about 30 m waterfall, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#031, leg. K.A. Johanson ( MNHP).

Paratype: Same data as for holotype— 1 male ( SMNH) .

Etymology: Hamata, from Latin hamatus, meaning hooked, referring to the phallic sheath spine.

Remarks: These curious specimens were collected with P. dzumac , and have male genitalia of the same general form, yet significantly different and thus are tentatively assigned to a separate species.