Dasyhelea (Dicryptoscena) dominiakae Strandberg & Johanson 2015, sp. nov.

Dasyhelea (Dicryptoscena) dominiakae sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 956852B2-A7AD-46A6-A238-0F8B55540915

Figs 1–11

The male resembles those of D. notata in the morphology of the genitalia, particularly by the presence of a pair of horn-like projections on the posterior margin of sternite 9. It is distinguished from D. notata in having an additional triangular projection on each lateral side of the posterior margin of sternite 9.

This species is named after Dr. Patrycja Dominiak for her contributions to our knowledge of European Ceratopogonidae, notably the Dasyhelea.

Holotype

SWEDEN: ♂, Skåne, Malmö, Limhamns kalkbrott, 2-“planen”, Malaise trap, 11–25 Jun. 2009, leg. B.W. Svensson & Co. (MZLU) (DNA voucher: 4DT).

Paratypes

SWEDEN: 3 ♂♂, same data as holotype; 1 ♂, Skåne, Malmö, Limhamns kalkbrott, 1-“graffiti”, Malaise trap, 28 May–10 Jun. 2009, leg. B.W. Svensson & Co. (MZLU).

Male

HEAD (Figs 1–5). Antennal flagellum length 717 μm (697–747 μm, n = 4); AR 1.15 (1.0–1.28, n = 4) (Fig. 2). Frontal sclerite rhomboid (Fig. 3). Clypeus entire, with 12 (11–12, n = 4) long setae (Fig. 4). Palp segment 3 slender, 95 μm (95 μm, n = 4); PR (III) 5.4 (4.75–6.3, n = 4); first half with hyaline sensillae on inner surface (Fig. 5).

THORAX (Figs 6–7). Scutellum pale, with 12 bristles (8–11, n = 4). Wing length 1.15 mm (1.02–1.17 mm, n = 4); CR 0.45 (0.46–0.52, n = 4); macrotrichia numerous (Fig. 6); first radial cell slit-like, second cell open (Fig. 7). Legs brown, except tarsi pale brown.

GENITALIA (Figs 8–11). Apicolateral process of tergite 9 short, with five short bristles. Posterior margin of sternite 9 with triangular projection on each lateral side and a pair of horn-like projections. Gonostylus straight, basally broad, apically slender, proximal part covered by small setae, two long bristles at midpoint present (Figs 8–9). Parameres asymmetrical. Posterior process of parameres fused to right arm, tapering evenly along its length, evenly curved dorsad (Fig. 10). Aedeagus high arched, with apicolateral processes twisted along its length, tapering apically (Fig. 11).

Female

Unknown.

Dasyhelea dominiakae sp. nov. is a member of the subgenus Dicryptoscena and is similar to D. notata and D. modesta. What distinguishes this species from those mentioned above, as well as other European species of Dicryptoscena, is the presence of triangular projections located on sternite 9. The male of D. dominiakae sp. nov. further differs from D. notata in having an evenly shaped posterior process and it is also separated from D. modesta by the equal length of the fourth and fifth palpal segments.

The holotype and paratypes were collected with Malaise traps in an old limestone quarry in the south of Sweden during May–June, among Salix caprea Linnaeus next to a pond.