Paroxyethira asymmetrica, 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 : 334-335

Paroxyethira asymmetrica , new species

Figs 10–12, 34–36

Most closely similar to P. opposita , new species, with which it shares the feature of male gonopods strongly asymmetric; however, with the right gonopod shorter than the left, in contrast to P. opposita in which the left gonopod is shorter than the right. Paroxyethira asymmetrica is distinguished from other species with markedly unequal gonopods by the very short phallic sheath. The female of P. asymmetrica has terminalia more symmetrical than other congeners, regularly conical in ventral view; the surface is noticeably ‘pocked’ by setal bases; and in dorsal view there is a prominent ‘pocket’ subapically on the right.

Male antennae each with 21–22 flagellomeres; female antennae each with 19 flagellomeres.

Forewing length. Male 1.7–2.4 mm (n=5); female 1.6–2.0 mm (n=10).

Male genitalia ( Figs 10–12). Sternite VII bearing short sharp spur medially. Median process on abdominal sternite VIII stoutly spatulate; length about 3x width at middle. Abdominal segment IX with broadly rounded posterolateral lobes; dorsally with distal margin deeply concave. Gonopods unequal, left elongate, slender, ~2.5x length of right; both bearing mesal brushes of stout black setae. Phallic apparatus as for P. dumagnes ( Fig. 5), being slender and straight but with distal portion proportionally shorter, constricted at 1/4 length, at which constriction short, threadlike titillator arising. Phallic sheath short, broad; with seta at each apico-lateral angle; on left 2 setaebearing papillae and proximally anteriorly directed apodeme.

Female ( Figs 34–36). Abdominal sternites VII–VIII fused, broad-based, constricted laterally at about 1/3 length, conical in distal 2/3, almost symmetrical. Tergites VII–VIII dorsally discrete; VIII with prominent ‘pocket’ subapically on right; surface of VII–VIII disrupted by pronounced sockets of scattered fine setae; apex rounded ventrally, concave dorsally. Segment X divided distally to form 2 lobes.

Holotype male: Province Sud, Xwé Pemöu Stream, 300 m N bridge over Dathio River at Atè , 6.2 km WNW Thio, 21.58835°S, 166.15117°E, 13 m, 29.xi.2003, light trap, loc#056, leg. K.A. Johanson ( MNHP).

Paratypes: Same data as for holotype – 5 males, 22 females ( SMNH) .

Etymology: Asymmetrica, named for the strongly asymmetric gonopods of the male genitalia.