Triaenodes nicaraguensis, new species

Fig. 21

The similarity of this species to T. delicatus was discussed above.

Adult (male: n=3). Forewing length 4.9–5.0 mm, hind wing length 3.9–4.0 mm. Eye 0.39–0.42 mm wide. Antennal scape 0.37–0.40 mm long. Maxillary palp segment lengths (in mm): 0.25–0.27, 0.32–0.34, 0.43–0.45, 0.24–0.26, 0.48–0.52. Forewing pale yellow, denuded.

Male genitalia. Abdominal segment IX anterior margin slightly rounded, slightly produced anteroventrally; pleural region membranous, setose; tergum IX, in dorsal view, with posteromesal margin indistinct, dorsomesal papillae not evident; sternum IX in lateral view with posterior margin sinuate. Preanal appendage setose, about as long as wide, constricted basally, apex subacute. Dorsomesal process of tergum X digitate, originating basally, long, extending beyond apex of tergum X, with apical setae; tergum X, in dorsal view, with lateral margins subparallel; in lateral view, narrowly triangular, apex acute, upturned, apicolateral margins with microtrichia. Inferior appendage subquadrangular basally, setose, with short, tapering, apicoventral projection; recurved process abruptly downturned subapically, broad along basal 2/3, apex sharply attenuate; apicomesal lobe heavily setose, elongate, narrow, parallel sided. Phallobase small, triangular, endothecal membranes prominent, highly convoluted, with pair of parameres, parameres subequal, long, gently curved, tapering, with small subapical denticle; phalicata troughlike, gently curved, narrow throughout length, apex acute, phallotremal sclerite not evident.

Holotype male: NICARAGUA: Matagalpa: 50 km E Matagalpa, El Coyolar, 85°50’00”N, 013°07’00”W, 15.v.1991, S Hue (UMSP000027133) (NMNH).

Paratypes: NICARAGUA: Zelaya: Las Américas, 13°07’00”N, 084°31’00”W, 230 m, 10.vii.1997, Maes & Hernández — 1 male (UMSP) .

Distribution. Nicaragua.

Etymology. Named for the country in which the types were collected.