Amphoropsyche real Holzenthal & Rios-Touma

Holzenthal, Ralph W. & Rios-Touma, Blanca, 2016, A new Ecuadorian species of the rare Neotropical caddisfly genus Amphoropsyche Holzenthal (Trichoptera, Leptoceridae), ZooKeys 640, pp. 59-67 : 60-62

Amphoropsyche real Holzenthal & Rios-Touma sp. n. Figs 1, 2

Diagnosis.

This new species is most similar to Amphoropsyche napo and Amphoropsyche tandayapa , from Ecuador, and the Colombian species Amphoropsyche ayura , Amphoropsyche cauca , Amphoropsyche flinti , Amphoropsyche quebrada , and Amphoropsyche stellata . All of these species share tergum X bearing a mesal process and paired, lateral processes of various forms. The new species is the only one with the combination of long, spatulate mesal process and the lateral processes bearing both a prominent midlateral and a prominent subapicodorsal spinelike seta. In addition, Amphoropsyche ayura , Amphoropsyche napo , Amphoropsyche quebrada , Amphoropsyche stellata , and Amphoropsyche tandayapa have prominent parameres in the phallus, lacking in Amphoropsyche real , sp. n., while Amphoropsyche cauca , Amphoropsyche flinti , and Amphoropsyche tandayapa have a baso- or mesoventral process on the inferior appendages not present in the new species.

Description.

Male. Forewing length 5.0 mm. Body and legs stramineous, wings light brown, apical 1/5th light cream (specimen preserved in 80% ethyl alcohol). Genitalia as in Fig. 1 A–D. Segment IX annular, sternum with anterior part not extended anteriorly (Fig. 1A). Segment X composed of a single mesal process and pair of lateral processes (Fig. 1 A–B); mesal process long, spatulate, apex rounded (Fig. 1B); lateral process broadly crescent shaped, bearing large lateral spinelike seta at midlength and large subapicodorsal spinelike seta; apically lateral process with about 6-8 small, but prominent setae (Fig. 1A). Preanal appendages large, oval, fused basally but divided apically to 1/2 their lengths (apical emargination acute); with large reticulate internal gland and small subapicoventral pore (Fig. 1 A–B); apically with pair of asymmetrical, membranous dorsomesal processes, left process large bulbous, right process short (Fig. 1B). [It is highly likely that this asymmetry was caused by a malformation of one or the other or both processes. These processes may be prone to developmental abnormalities.] Inferior appendage with 1st article narrow, elongate, without basoventral projection, instead base short, bulbous and at right angle to straight apical portion of 1st article when viewed ventrally, bearing 2 small spinelike setae on posterior face (Fig. 1A, C); 1st article ending in a bulbous apex, bearing subterminal tuft of closely appressed setae emerging from membranous pocket; 2nd article of inferior appendage elongate, thin, slightly curved inwards in ventral view, apex slightly truncate; 2nd article fused to 1st article at base (or articulation not apparent) (Fig. 1C). Phallic apparatus (Fig. 1D) with phallobase well developed, with sclerotized apicolateral projection on each side, bearing stout apical spine; parameres absent; endothecal membranes well developed, apparently capable of articulation at midlength [these membranes were evaginated by the clearing process]; phallotremal sclerite well developed, structure as illustrated in Fig. 1D, but difficult to discern on specimen.

Female. Forewing length 6.0 mm (n=2). Color and structure similar to male’s (specimens preserved in 80% ethyl alcohol). Genitalia as in Fig. 2 A–D. Abdominal tergum IX + X very slightly excised apicomesally, tergum basally with small moundlike mesal protuberance; dorsomesally slightly excised along length. Appendages of segment X absent (or highly reduced), apparent only as slightly raised, dorsolateral setose areas. Valves posterolateral, quadrate, covered with short setae. Vulvar scale thin, narrow in lateral view, round in dorsal view with slight mesal excavation. Sternum IX laterally forming pocketlike structure in pleural region (probably receptacle for apex of male inferior appendage). Vaginal apparatus (spermathecal sclerite complex) (see Fig. 2C, D) with broad, posterior base bearing central “keyhole-shaped” structure; middle region to apex with narrow lightly sclerotized plates and 2 dorsal membranous rounded mounds.

Holotype:Male.ECUADOR: Morona-Santiago: Macas, small gravel stream (Wallace/Real property), 02.20299°S, 078.08539°W, el. 1076 m, 27.i.2015, Holzenthal, Huisman, Ríos-Touma, Amigo (UMSP000114167) (UMSP). Paratypes: same data as holotype, 2 females (UMSP, MECN).

Etymology.

Named for the family of RhoAnn Wallace and Galo Real and their children, Aster, Diem, and Luna, in recognition of their hospitality, friendship, and stewardship of the land where this species was collected.