Acritoptila amphapsis Kelley

Wells, Alice & Johanson, Kjell Arne, 2014, Review of the New Caledonian species of Acritoptila Wells, 1982 (Trichoptera, Insecta), with descriptions of 3 new species, ZooKeys 397, pp. 1-23 : 13

Acritoptila amphapsis Kelley Figs 15, 16, 28, 34, 35

Acritoptila amphapsis Kelley (1989: 191, figs 1, 9, 10); Wells (1995: 238, fig. 17).

Revised diagnosis.

Males of Acritoptila amphapsis are distinctive, being distinguished from males of other Acritoptila species by their genitalia in ventral view with parameres in form of pair of mesally directed, horn-like spines postero-lateral to gonopods (Fig. 15) and, in lateral view, coarsely hooked apices of the "ventral processes" (as termed by Kelley 1989), here interpreted as subgenital processes (Figs 15, 16). Females are distinguished by the apico-mesal concavity and sclerotised plate-like gland on sternite VIII (Fig. 28). Male antennae each with 31-35 flagellomeres, bicoloured with distal dark band of 9 flagellomeres followed by 9 pale flagellomeres apically; forewing length, 1.9-2.0 mm (n = 4). Female antennae each with 24-26 flagellomeres, bicoloured with distal dark band of 6 segments followed by 6 pale apically; forewing length 1.8-2.0 mm (n = 5).

Remarks.

This species was not commonly collected, but was taken in both the northern and southern provinces (Fig. 35). It was identified only in samples taken in the wet season, from late November, with the largest sample dated 8-15 January. This could indicate a restricted period of emergence, or possibly a later time of emergence than for other congeners. A pupal case attributed to this species by Wells (1995: fig. 17) and pictured here in Fig. 34 is a subrectangular purse case constructed of fine sand grains.

Material examined.

Holotype male: New Caledonia, Honailu River, (BPBM); cases, cased pupa, Province Sud, creek between Negropa and Koh on La Foa-Canala Road, 19 Dec. 1983, A Wells (ANIC); 1 male (on slide), Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco, Stream, at Camp Jacob, 3.7 km WNW summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis-Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°43.613'S, 166°06.567'E, 150 m, 29. xi– 12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#054, KAJ (NHRS); 1 male, Province Nord, 50 m upstream bridge on Hienghène-Tnèdo road, 3.9 km S summit of Mt Tnèda, 2.2 km E Tnèdo, 20°43.085'S, 164°49.928'E, 29 m, 7.xii.2003, light trap, loc#071, KAJ (NHRS); 23 males, 54 females (2 males, 2 females on slides), Province Nord, Bouérabate Stream, S Mont Ninndo, along road Barabache-Boulagoma, 20°17.409'S, 164°11.242'E, 60 m, 19.xii.2003-7.i.2004, Malaise trap, loc#089, KAJ (NHRS); 1 male Province Nord, Forêt Plate, Ouendé River, at 2.5 km WNW summit of Katépouenda, 23.3 km E Pouembout, 21°07.490'S, 165°06.723'E, 470 m, 8-15.i.2004, Malaise trap, loc#112, KAJ (NHRS).