Rhyacopsyche shorti Thomson & Holzenthal

Thomson, Robin E. & Holzenthal, Ralph W., 2012, New species and records of Hydroptilidae (Trichoptera) from Venezuela, ZooKeys 185, pp. 19-39 : 26

Rhyacopsyche shorti Thomson & Holzenthal sp. n. Fig. 9

Diagnosis.

This species is most similar to Rhyacopsyche otarosa Wasmund & Holzenthal, 2007. Both species display an inferior appendage with a bifid apex bearing a large rounded dorsal lobe. However, the ventral lobe is broadly pointed in Rhyacopsyche shorti and truncate in Rhyacopsyche otarosa . Additionally, when seen dorsally, the dorsolateral lobes of segment IX are rounded in Rhyacopsyche shorti , not acicular as in Rhyacopsyche otarosa .

Description.

Male. Length of forewing 2.6-2.7 mm (n=2). Head unmodified, with 3 ocelli; antennae unmodified. Tibial spur count 1, 3, 4. Dorsum of head brown with dark brown setae and light brown patch between antennae; thorax brown with light brown setae dorsally, light brown ventrally; leg segments with dark brown setae. Forewings covered with golden brown setae with small patches of dark brown setae at margins and apex. Genitalia. Abdominal sternum VII without mesoventral process. Segment VIII unmodified. Segment IX anterolateral margin very elongate, narrowing, withdrawn into segments VII–VIII, posterolateral margin with rounded setae-bearing dorsolateral lobe and truncate mesolateral lobe. Inferior appendage with rounded mesodorsal projection bearing setae, setae directed anteriad; apex heavily sclerotized, curving dorsad, acute. Tergum X membranous, round in dorsal view, contracted inside dorsolateral lobes of segment IX. Phallus basally tubular, elongate, narrow, apex membranous and with thickened spines.

Material examined.

Holotype male:VENEZUELA: Bolívar: Gran Sabana, E. Pauji, “Río Curvita", 04°31.237'N, 61°31.591'W, 869 m, 15-16.vii.2010, UV light, Holzenthal, Thomson, Cressa (UMSP000095199) (UMSP).

Paratype.

same data as holotype, 1 male (UMSP).

Etymology.

Named in honor of Dr. Andrew Short, an entomologist at the University of Kansas and friend and colleague of the authors.