Oxyethira (Tanytrichia) bettyae Thomson & Holzenthal

Thomson, Robin E. & Holzenthal, Ralph W., 2012, New species and records of Hydroptilidae (Trichoptera) from Venezuela, ZooKeys 185, pp. 19-39 : 24

Oxyethira (Tanytrichia) bettyae Thomson & Holzenthal sp. n. Fig. 6

Diagnosis.

This species is placed in the subgenus Tanytrichia according to the characters given by Kelley (1985): segment VIII venter excised to anterior margin, segment IX elongate and extending into segment VI, the absence of segment IX dorsum, and a phallus bearing two long lateral processes originating at the midlength. This species is most similar to Oxyethira longissima Flint, 1974. The phallus is very similar, bearing long paired processes sharply bent back anteriorly. However, the subgenital process of Oxyethira longissima is more strongly arched and much more slender in lateral view than that of Oxyethira bettyae . Also, when viewed ventrally, the bilobed process of Oxyethira bettyae is wider basally than Oxyethira longissima .

Description.

Male. Length of forewing 2.0-2.2 mm (n=6). Head unmodified, with 3 ocelli; antennae unmodified. Tibial spur count 0, 3, 4. Dorsum of head dark brown with pale yellow setae; thorax brown with light brown setae dorsally; leg segments with light brown setae. Forewings covered with fine light brown setae and small scattered patches of dark brown setae and golden brown setae. Genitalia. Abdominal sternum VII with simple, pointed mesoventral process with small patch of stout pegs basally. Segment VIII anterolateral margin straight, posterolateral margin pointed; dorsally posterior margin with rounded emargination; ventrally posterior margin with deeply divided. Segment IX anterolateral margin very narrow and very elongate, withdrawn into segments VI–VIII, posterolateral margin straight, not extended posteriorly past segment VIII. Subgenital process fused, apex with small rounded emargination (see Fig. 6C). Bilobed process slender, extending posteriad. Inferior appendage fused with deep apical emargination, sparsely setose, heavily sclerotized, apex acute, upturned in lateral view. Tergum X membranous, quadrate dorsally, oblong ventrally. Phallus with tubular basal half, apical half membranous; 2 long, lateral processes beginning at midlength, very sharply curved backward, or recurved.

Material examined.

Holotypemale:VENEZUELA: Guárico: UCV San Nicolasito Field Station, 08°8.296'N, 66°24.459'W, 62 m, 5.vii.2010, UV light, Holzenthal, Thomson (UMSP000095178) (UMSP).

Paratypes.

same data as holotype, 1 male (UMSP); Venezuela: Bolívar: Los Pijiguaos at rock outcrop, 6°35.617'N, 66°49.238'W, 80 m, 7-8.vii.2010, UV light trap, Holzenthal, Thomson, 5 males (in alcohol) (UMSP, NMNH, MIZA).

Etymology.

Named in honor of the first author’s grandmother, Betty Welter, who passed away while this work was in progress.