Oxathres sparsa Melzer, 1927

(Figs 51–70)

Descriptions (based on exuviae).

Larva (Figs 51–60, 62–69). Integument of body smooth. Epistomal margin (Fig. 51) almost straight, with a weak anterior carina on clypeus, parallel epistomal margin; three pairs of moderately long epistomal setae, almost same length: one pair at middle and one pair (setae near each other) on each side, near each epistomal lobe.

Frontal suture distinct only at antennal base. Stemmata absent, even translucent lens. Antennae (Figs 53, 54) short, extensible, slightly sclerotized with antennifer long and membranous; two antennomeres sclerotized, except apex; first antennomere elongate; second antennomere slightly wider than long, with two ventral campaniform sensilla near base; apex with one elongate cupuliform membranous sensorium, three moderately long setae, and three stout setae of varied sizes. Clypeus (Fig. 51) wider than long, trapezoidal and membranous, with six campaniform sensilla on each side. Labrum (Fig. 51) almost twice wider than long with rounded margins, slightly narrowed basally; moderately long and thick setae more concentrated on distal third; campaniform sensilla disperse near base. Epipharynx (Fig. 52) densely covered with thick setae directed medially; basal region with microspines and campaniform sensilla near middle; basal half with one sclerite (torma) on each side. Mandibles (Figs 62–69) strongly sclerotized, symmetrical, short and very wide; apex widely rounded and declivous dorsally; on external view (Figs 64–65) with condyle and acetabulum visible, apex almost straight (very worn out); internally without striae; external face concave, striate near condyle, and with two setae near base. Maxillolabial complex (Fig. 55) partially membranous and densely setose; submentum, maxillary articulating areas and cardines fused; maxillary articulating areas with few short setae. Distal maxilla: stipes brownish with sclerotized latero-internal narrow band, continuous with transverse, inclined, punctuate band near base; moderately long setae above sclerotized band and lateral margins; mala wider and shorter than palpus, with rounded apex, with transverse sclerotized band near base and numerous long and thick apical setae dorsally and ventrally. Palpifer dorsally and ventrally almost totally sclerotized and with long and thick setae near apex; dorsally with a lateral triangular sclerotized area near base, long thick setae above triangular area and microtrichiae near apex. Maxillary palpi trimerous, with complete rings pigmented; first palpomere elongate with four moderately long setae and one campaniform sensillum ventrally and four setae dorsally (three lateral) and lateroapical microspines; second palpomere elongate (Fig. 58), narrower than anterior with two ventral setae, and dorsally with one long lateral setae and microtrichiae near apex; distal palpomere narrow and elongate, ventrally with one laterointernal short seta and one lateroexternal campaniform sensillum, dorsally with one campaniform sensillum near middle and one long digitiform sensillum, and at apex several peg-shaped sensoria. Distal labium: mentum wider than long, with several long setae near base (broken, represented by punctures). Prelabium: prementum wider and rounded on distal half, membranous on distal third; palpiger with rounded apex and many thick and long setae; ligula widely rounded with many moderately long and thick setae; Labial palpi dimerous; palpomeres elongate with complete rings pigmented; basal palpomere longer, ventrally with a laterointernal campaniform sensillum and five long setae near apex; distal palpomere narrow, with one ventral campaniform sensillum near middle and several peg-shaped sensilla on apex. Hypopharynx (Fig. 56) soft and swollen covered with thick setae, directed frontally and medially; microsetae laterally near base and short setae near middle; many sensilla at middle.

Pronotum with two large slightly sclerotized bands at middle, surrounded by long, stout and dense setae; microspiculate on anterior and basal narrow bands. Thoracic spiracle (Fig. 59) elliptical with many marginal chambers in both sides. Abdominal ampullae (Fig. 61) with microspiculate moniliform tubercles. Tergite IX (Fig. 60) with small dorsal transverse sclerite; abdominal spiracles slightly elliptical.

Pupa (exuvia) (Figs 61). Integument dorsally with short setigerous spines of varied sizes; spines increasing in size apicad. Segment VII longer, gradually narrowing apicad, with rounded apex and many well-developed setigerous spines longitudinal medially; segment VIII transverse with sides rounded, four pairs of long setigerous spines near margin, and dorsally, three setigerous setae (one longer) near base; segment VII elongate with apex rounded and several long setigerous spines; segment VIII shorter and narrower than apex of VII, with sides rounded, with four long setigerous spines near anterior margin, and two groups, each with three setigerous spines (one longer) near base; segment IX transverse, sub-rectangular, narrower and shorter than anterior, with four long setigerous spines at distal margin.

Material examined. BRAZIL. São Paulo: São Paulo (Pq. Estadual da Cantareira), 20.X.1994, 1 pupa reared to adult (larval and pupal exuviae fixed) (MZSP 8679).

Remarks. Larva of Oxathres sparsa is characterized especially by the epistomal margin almost straight; epistomal setae short and not equidistant: one pair at middle and one pair (setae near each other) on each side, near each epistomal lobe; antennae with two antennomeres; stemmata absent; posterior region of the pronotum microspiculate; ambulatory ampullae with microspiculate moniliform tubercles; and the tergite IX with transverse sclerotized plate.