Mesocapnia silvatica Raušer, 1968

Judson, Sarah W. & Nelson, C. Riley, 2012, 3541, Zootaxa 3541, pp. 1-118 : 22

Mesocapnia silvatica Raušer, 1968

SYNONYMY

Mesocapnia silvatica Raušer, 1968

TYPE LOCALITY: Mongolia: Ulan Bator, Nukht in Bogdo Ul .

DIAGNOSIS: Based on historical description and illustrations (Raušer 1968), males and females are macropterous. The male epiproct ( Fig. 72) is shorter than that of M. altaica ( Fig.68), extending only halfway across tergite 9. The dorsal profile of the epiproct is sinuate with a slight constriction near the midlength ( Fig. 72) and the lateral profile is relatively uniform in width with an abruptly narrowing and upturned apex ( Fig. 73). At the tip, the epiproct gradually tapers, whereas in M. altaica the tapering is more abrupt. Raušer (1968) describes the overall shape from the lateral view as that of a snipe (bird) head that is craned forward ( Fig. 73). The female subgenital plate is broadly rounded ( Fig. 74) similar to that of M. variabilis ( Fig. 79) and the two species are difficult to separate as females although they can be readily distinguished from M. altaica which has a more triangular plate. The nymphs of this species are unknown.

DISTRIBUTION—Global: Endemic to Mongolia — Regional: AOB*, IDB*— Aimag: AR*, BO*, KhG*, TO*, UB*.

DISCUSSION: Raušer (1968) first described the genus Mesocapnia based on this species which is endemic to Mongolia. Our collections near the type locality only documented M. variabilis in that region but we need more extensive collecting to confirm presence, particularly near Ulaan Baatar in Bogd Khan and the headwaters of the Terelj River. Evaluation of the original type specimens and collecting earlier in the year at the type locality are needed to confirm the validity of this species.