Plega dactylota Rehn, 1939

Figs 32, 33

Plega dactylota Rehn, 1982: 423. Holotype: male, USA, Arizona (ANSP).

Plega dactylota lipanica Rehn, 1982: 423. Holotype: male, USA, Texas (ANSP). Rice (1987): 342.

Plega fratercula Rehn, 1939: 247. Holotype: male, USA, Arizona (MCZ), specimen examined. New synonym.

Material examined.

Holotype of Plega fratercula

USA • ♂; Arizona, Capitain Mt.; 8 Aug. 1933; R. Anderson leg.; MCZ.

Paratype of Plega fratercula.

USA • 1 ♀; Arizona, Capitan Mt.; 24 Jul. 1933; R. Anderson leg.; “ Allotype Plega fratercula Rehn ”; MCZ - ENT 00580916, MCZ type 25377; MCZ.

Paratypes of Plega dactylota.

USA • 1 ♂; Arizona, Huachuca Mtn. Carr. Cn.; 06 Aug. 1924; J. O. Martin leg.; “ Plega dactylota dactylota Rehn, Paratype ”; CAS. • 1 ♂; Huachuca Mts.; 20 Jul. 1937; D. J. & J. N. Knull leg.; Paratype 25379; MCZ. • 1 ♂; Santa Rita Mts.; Jul.; 5–8000 ft; F. H. Snow leg.; Paratype 23379; MCZ. • 1 ♂; Boya Thomson, Aboretum, Superior; 1–3 Aug. 1937; MCZ Paratype 25378; MCZ. – Texas • 1 ♂; Hills W. of Ord Mts Brewster Co.; 22–31 Aug. 1926; O. C. Polling leg.; Paratype 25380, Plega dactylota lipanica; MCZ. • 1 ♂; Hills W. of Ord Mts Brewster Co.; 15–22 Aug. 1926; O. C. Polling leg.; Paratype 25380 Plega dactylota lipanica; MCZ. • 1 ♂; Big Bend Park, Brewster Co.; 14 Jun. 1937; R. H. Baker leg.; Paratype 25380, Plega dactylota lipanica; MCZ. • 1 ♂; Big Bend Park, Brewster Co.; 13 Jun. 1937; R. H. Baker leg.; Paratype 25380, Plega dactylota lipanica; MCZ.

Other material.

Mexico • 1 ♀; Chihuahua, 2 mi W. Matachic; 30 Jul. 1984; D. Thomas leg.; TAMU-ENTOX 0285142; TAMUIC. – Guerrero • 1 ♀ 1?; Grutas de Cacahuamilpa; 02 Nov. 1967; R. E. Woodruff leg.; Blacklight trap; FSCA. – Jalisco • 1 ♀; San Buenaventura; 19°97'61.9"N, 104°03'32.4"W; 720 m; 03 Dec. 1996; S. Zaragoza; CNIN. • 1 ♂; San Buenaventura; 19°47.61'N, 104°03.32'W; 720 m; 07 Nov. 1996; light trap; CNIN. • 1 ♀; Chamela; 12 Jan. 1995; H. Brailovsky; CNIN. • 1 ♀; Estación de Biología Chamela; 24 Oct. 1985; R. A. Usela; trampa de luz; CNIN. • 1?; Río Cuitzmala; 24 Nov. 1984; E. Ramírez, J. Villa leg.; CNIN. • 2 ♀; El Limón, San Buenaventura; 620 m; 19°46.614'N, 104°03.324'W; 04 Nov. 1996; S. Zaragoza, F. Noguera, E. Ramírez, E. González leg.; 55037; CNIN. – Morelos • 1 ♂; Tlaquiltenango, 2.5 Km, 4 Km W Huautla Estación CEAMISH; 18°27'67.1"N, 99°02'47.5"W; 940 m; 16 Nov. 1995; S. Zaragoza, F. Noguera, E. Ramírez, E. González leg.; light trap 3, MDMD 125; CNIN. • 1 ♂; Tlaquiltenango, Huautla; 18°23'04.27"N, 99°03'00.03"W; 1028 m; 18 Sep. 2009; V. H. Toledo, J. G. Martínez, E. V. Reza, Y. T. Viveros, N. Hernández leg.; light trap, selva baja caducifolia, SHM 224; CNIN. • 1 ♂; Tlaquiltenango, Huautla; 18°22'45.01"N, 99°02'44.91"W; 1001 m; 20 Nov. 2009; V. H. Toledo, J. G. Martínez, E. V. Reza, Y. T. Viveros, N. Hernández leg.; selva baja caducifolia, light trap, SHM 215; CNIN. • 1 ♀; Tlaquiltenango, Huaxtla; 18°23'8.736"N, 99°3'4.0068"W; 1023 m; 28 ~ 31 Jan. 2009; V. H. Toledo leg.; selva baja caducifolia, light trap, SHM 113; CNIN. • 1 ♀; Tlaquiltenango, 3 Km E. Santiopan; 18°25'45.66"N, 98°55'56.136"W; 1381 m; 28 Jan. 2014; V. H. Toledo, R. Reyes, J. Martínez leg.; selva baja caducifolia, light trap, SHM 124; CNIN. • 1 ♀; El Limón, atrás de estación; 14 Aug. 2015; C. Pérez, P. Bogadrín, G. Gutiérrez leg.; trampa pit light, luz blanca; CNIN. – Nayarit • 1 ♀; P. H. Aguamilpa, Arroyo de los Bueyes; 29 ~ 30 Oct. 1991; R. Barba & E. Barrera leg.; CNIN. – Nuevo León • 1 ♂; Bustamante, at entrance of Grutas del Palmito; 08 Oct. 1966; D. Riley; TAMU-ENTOX 0070934; TAMUIC. • 1 ♂; Nuevo Leon, nr Monterrey, Mesa de Chipinque; 1365 m; 16–18 Jul.; “ Cornell Univ. Mexico Field Party 1965 ”; MCZ - ENT 00681790; MCZ. – Puebla • 1 ♂; Jolalpan, Rancho El Salado; 18°20'49.38"N, 98°59'23.02"W; 923 m; 06 Oct. 2010; V. H. Toledo, F. Hinterholzer, J. G. Martínez leg.; selva baja caducifolia, light trap, SHM 221; CNIN. • 1 ♀; Jolalpan, Rancho El Salado; 18°20'49.38"N, 98°59'23.028"W; 923 m; 06 Oct. 2010; V. H. Toledo, F. Hinterholzer, J. G. Martínez leg.; selva baja caducifolia, light trap, SHM 178; CNIN. – Querétaro • 1 ♂; Parque Nacional La Joya, La Barreta (cerca a la Monja); 220 m; 06 Aug. 2013; H. Brailovsky, E. Barrera leg.; CNIN. – Sonora • 1 ♂; Nacozari de García, 15.9 Km SE. Nacozari de García, Rancho La Zulema, Sierra Juriquipa; 30°17'2.04"N, 109°33'37.08"W; 1987 m; 15 Jul. 2017; Van Devender, J. Palting leg.; rocky mountainside, oak Woodland; USNMENT 001541895; USNM. • 2 ♀ 1?; Nacozari de García, 15.9 Km SE. Nacozari de García, Rancho La Zulema, Sierra Juriquipa; 30°17'2.04"N, 109°33'37.08"W; 1687 m; 15 Jul. 2017; Van Devender, J. Palting, leg.; rocky mountainside, oak Woodland; CNIN. • 9 ♂ 12 ♀ 2?; Nacozari de García, 15.9 Km SE. Nacozari de García, Rancho La Zulema, Sierra Juriquipa; 30°17'2.04"N, 109°33'37.08"W; 1687 m; 14 Aug. 2017; Van Devender, J. Palting leg.; rocky mountain side, oak Woodland; Plega dactylota Rehn, det. O. S. Flint, 2017; CNIN. • 3 ♀; same data as for preceding; 15 Jul. 2017; CNIN. • 2 ♂ 6 ♀; same data as for preceding; 30°17'45.24"N, 109°36'44.64"W; 14 Jul. 2017; CNIN. • 2 ♂ 2 ♀; Nacozari de García, 15.9 Km SE. Nacozari de García, Sierra Juriquipa; 30°17'45.24"N, 109°36'44.64"W; 1687 m; 14 Jul. 2017; Van Devender, J. Palting leg.; rocky montain side, oak Woodland; CNIN. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; Plega dactylota Rehn, det. O. S. Flint, 2017; CNIN. • 2 ♀; Nacozari de García, 15.9 Km SE. Nacozari de García, Sierra Juriquipa; 30°17'1.68"N, 109°40'9.48"W; 1687 m; 15 Jul. 2017; Van Devender, J. Palting leg.; rocky mountain side, oak Woodland; CNIN. • 1 ♀; Nacozari de García, Pilares de Nacozari, 6.5 Km (by air) SE of Nacozari de García, Sierra Nacozari; 30°19'41.988"N, 109°37'46.992"W; 1413 m; 09 Aug. 2015; T. R. Van Devender, A. L. Reina-G leg.; rocky slope; CNIN. • 4 ♂ 3 ♀; Nacozari, rancho El Metate, 7.4 Km SSW Nacozari, E. base of Sierra San José; 31°15'30.96"N, 109°57'33.12"W; 1634 m; 16 Sep. 2017; Van Devender, J. Palting leg.; desert grassland, oak Woodland; CNIN. • 1 ♀; Sonora, Agua Caliente; 25 Aug. 1959; R. E. Ryckman, C. P. Christianson & D. Spencer leg; USNM. • 2 ♂ 4 ♀; Mpio. Álamos, Parque La Colorada, sendero Arroyo alto (Chalatón); 27°00.551'N, 108°57.206'W; 510 m; 17 Sep. 2019; Contreras, Barba, Cancino, Ardila, Marquez leg.; selva baja caducifolia, black and white light trap; CNIN. • 4 ♂ 1 ♀; Mpio. Álamos, Parque La Colorada, sendero Tecolote; 27°00.675'N, 108°56.987'W; 469 m; 16 Sep. 2019; Contreras, Barba, Cancino, Ardila, Marquez leg.; selva baja caducifolia, black and white light trap; CNIN. • 2 ♂; Mpio. Moctezuma, Rancho La Montosa, camino; 29°34.201'N, 109°58.352'W; 930 m; 22 Nov. 2019; Barba, Ardila, Cancino, Marquez, Contreras leg.; black and White light trap, bosque espinoso; CNIN. • 1 ♀; 36.6 Km SE Tecoripa, La Barranca; 28°34'40.1"N, 109°39'54.3"W; 562 m; 11 Sep. 2004; S. Zaragoza, F. Noguera, E. Ramírez, E. González leg.; light trap 1, bosque tropical caducifolio, MDM 0233, 2699; CNIN. • 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; MDM 0243, 2720; CNIN. • 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; MDM 0241, 2719; CNIN. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 28°34'40.1"N, 109°39'54.3"W; 645 m; 16 Aug. 2004; MDM 0262, 2722; CNIN. • 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; 28°34'40.1"N, 109°39'54.3"W; 645 m; 16 Aug. 2004; MDM 0260, 2717; CNIN. • 3 ♂ 3 ♀; Rancho Los Jarazos, Sierra La Purica; 16 Jul. 2013; T. R. Van Devender, J. Palting leg.; CNIN. – Tamaulipas • 1 ♀; 43 km. east 27. V Ciudad Mante; FSCA.

USA – Arizona • 1 ♂ 1 ♀; Cochise Co., S. W. Research Sta., nr. Portal; 1982; L. L. Lampert leg.; black light trap; FSCA. • 1 ♂; Chochise County, SW Research Sta.; 27 Jul. 1989; A. M. & N. D. Penny leg.; at lights; Plega dactylota Rehn, det. N. Penny; CAS. • 1 ♂ 1 ♀; Cochise Co., Huachuca Mtns., Ash Canyon; 07 Aug. 1991; R. & J. Robertson leg.; Plega dactylota, det. Penny, 1991; CAS. • 2 ♀; same data as for preceding; 22 Jul. 1989; CAS. • 1 ♂; Cochise Co., Huachuca Mts., Ash Canyon; 5100 ’; 09 Aug. 2001; B. D. Valentine leg.; Plega dactylota Rehn, det. D. J. Shetlar, 1994 and Penny, 1997; CAS. • 1 ♂; Cochise Co., Huachuca Mtns., Ash Canyon; 27–31 Jul. 1986; D. L. Wagner leg.; black and white lights; CAS. • 2 ♂ 5 ♀; Cochise Co., Ramsey Cyn.; 31°26'57.84"N, 110°18'23.40"W; 1679 m; 22–24 Jul. 2017; Aalbu R. L. leg.; black light; CSCA. • 1 ♀; Cochise Co., 3.2 mi E. SERS; 16 Aug. 1971; D. Carlson leg.; CSCA. • 1 ♀; Gila Co., Carrizo; 4750 ’; 01 Sep. 1986; A. S. Menke leg.; USNM. • 1 ♂; Portal; 10 Jul. 1969; G. H. Nelson Family leg.; at lite; FSCA. • 1 ♂ Gila Co., Payson; 30 Aug. 2001; P. R. Coleman leg.; UCD. • 1 ♂; Maricopa Co., Jct. Fish, Ck. Cyn & Apache Trail; 01 Aug. 1987; W. B. Warner; U. V. light; FSCA. • 1 ♂; Santa Rita Mts., Madera Canyon; 14 Aug. 1949; 00045; “ Phillip A. Adams Collection 1998 request to Calif. Acad. Sci. ”; CAS. • 1 ♂; Santa Cruz Co., Duquesne Rd. (For. Ser. Rd. # 61), 7.8 mi. E. Jct. Hwy. 82; 4800 ft.; 13 Aug. 1991; L. G. Bezark, D. E. Russell, R. A. Cunningham leg.; MV / BL, Oak / Mesq. Trans; Plega fratercula, det. N. Penny, 1997; CAS. • 1 ♀; Santa Cruz Co., Sta. Rita Mts., Madera Canyon, Sta. Rita Lodge; 27 Aug. 1991; R. Wielgus leg.; CAS. • 1 ♂; Santa Cruz Co., Madera Cyn.; 4880 ’; 15 Jun. 1965; D. N. Harrington leg.; UCD. • 3 ♂; same data as for preceding; 27 Jul. 1965; D. N. Harrington leg.; UCD. • 3 ♂; same data as for preceding; 07 Sep. 1965; D. N. Harrington leg.; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 26 Aug. 1965; D. N. Harrington leg.; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 21 Aug. 1965; D. N. Harrington leg.; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 20 Aug. 1965; D. N. Harrington leg.; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 15 Aug. 1965; D. N. Harrington leg.; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 07 Sep. 1965; D. N. Harrington leg.; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 15 Sep. 1965; D. N. Harrington; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 01 Oct. 1965; D. N. Harrington leg.; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 07 Sep. 1965; D. N. Harrington leg.; UCD. 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 01 Oct. 1965; D. N. Harrington leg.; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding: 17 Jul. 1963; V. L. Vesterby; UCD. 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 17 Jul. 1963; V. L. Vesterby; UCD. • 2 ♂; same data as for preceding; 21 Jul. 1963; V. L. Vesterby; UCD. • 5 ♂; same data as for preceding; 15 Aug. 1963; V. L. Vesterby; UCD. • 3 ♂; same data as for preceding; 12 Aug. 1963; V. L. Vesterby; UCD. • 3 ♂; same data as for preceding; 25 Aug. 1963; V. L. Vesterby; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 08 Sep. 1963; V. L. Vesterby; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 08 Jul. 1963; V. L. Vesterby; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 22 Sep. 1963; V. L. Vesterby; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 12 Sep. 1963; V. L. Vesterby; UCD. • 1 ♂; Maricopa Co., Sunflower, Jct. Hwy, 87 & Sycamore Ck.; 33°52'8.616"N, 111°27'51.732"W ± 100 m; 744 m; 15 Aug. 2012; Oswald, Diehl, Machado leg.; MV light; TAMU-ENTO X 0965263; TAMUIC. • 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; TAMU-ENTO X 0966388; TAMUIC. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; TAMU-ENTO X 0966101; TAMUIC. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; TAMU-ENTO X 0966424; TAMUIC. • 1 ♂; Pima Co., Madera Cyn., Santa Rita Mtns.; 4400 ft.; 1–2. Aug. 1975; Menke & Pulawsky leg.; CAS. • 2 ♂; Pima Co., Santa Rita Mts Experimental Range, Florida Cyn.; 31°45.42'N, 110°50.43'W; 1646 m; 03–10 Jul. 2014; M. I. Erwin, C. O’ Brien, M. J. Sharkey leg.; Malaise on hillside road; CSCA. • 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; 23 Aug. 2014; CSCA. • 2 ♀; same data as for preceding; 10–20 Sep. 2014; CSCA. • 1 ♂; Pima Co., Sabino Cyn.; 03 Sep. 1962; V. L. Vesterby; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 04 Sep. 1961; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 14 Sep. 1963; UCD. • 1 ♂; Organ Pipe Cactus Nat. Mon.; 13 Oct. 1963; V. L. Vesterby; UCD. • 1 ♀; Mohave Co., 11 Km E. Kingman on Hualapai Mt. Rd.; 35°58.55'N, 113°55.63'W; 1490 m; 19 Jul – 01 Aug. 2018; M. E Irwin leg.; Malaise in narrow wash nr Hualapai Mt. Recreational Park; CSCA. • 1 ♂ 1 ♀; Santa Cruz Co. Sonoita, 3.2 Km Town Center; 31°38'N, 110°39'W; 1524 m; 21 Jul. – 06 Aug. 2014; E. E. Grissell leg.; Malaise in juniper-oak-grass land; CSCA. • 1 ♂ 1 ♀; Gila Co., W. side of Pinal Mtn.; 14 Aug. 1977; R. P. Allen leg.; black light; CSCA. • 1 ♂; Gila Co., 5 mi N Payson; 05 Sep. 1961; J. S. Bucket leg.; UCD. • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 05 Sep. 1961; UCD. • 1 ♀; 5 mi. Portal Chiricahua Mts.; 17 Aug. 1958; G. B. Pitman leg.; UCD. • 1 ♂; 15 mi. W. Portal Chiricahua Mts.; 04 Aug. 1958; R. E. Rice; UCD. – New Mexico • 1 ♂; Grat Co., Hwy. # 15, 5.5 Km S Jct. # 35 3258 / 10812; 2165 m; 22 Jul. 1983; E. L. & K. W. Sleeper, B. L. leg.; Pine Oak Fst Mdw; Plega dactylota, det. N. Penny, 1998; CAS. • 1 ♂; Catron Co., Gila N. F., Whitewater Pub. Camp.; 11–14 Jul. 1970; J. A. Gruwell leg.; Plega dactylota, det. N. Penny, 1998; collected at blacklite; CAS. • 1 ♀; Dona Ana Co., Aguirre Sprgs RA; 5600 ’; 26–27 Aug. 1997; Wappes & Turnbow leg.; TAMU-ENTOX 0070958; TAMUIC. • 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; TAMU-ENTOX 0070968; TAMUIC. • 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; TAMU-ENTOX 0070972; TAMUIC. • 8 ♂; Lincoln Co., HWY 7018-50 Km E Ruidoso; 33°22.1'N, 105°29.9'W; 01 Jul. 2013; C. M. Parker leg.; funnel light trap; UCD. • 10 ♂; same data as for preceding; 01 Jun. 2013; UCD. – Texas • 1 ♂; Jeff Davis Co., Davis Mountains Resort; 30°37'42"N, 104°05'01"W; 5800 ft.; 17 May. 2001; D. G. Marqua leg.; FSCA. • 1 ♀; Jeff Davis Co., Davis Mtns. Resort; 5800 ’; 31 Aug. 1999; D. G. Marqua leg.; TAMU-ENTOX 0085828; TAMUIC. • 1 ♂; Jeff Davis Co. rest stop, 9.5 mi. S. jct. hwy 118 on 166; 09 Aug. 1992; W. Godwin & E. Riley leg.; UV light; TAMU-ENTOX 0070888; TAMUIC. • 1 ♂; Jeff Davis Co., Davis Mountains Resort; 30°37'42"N, 104°05'01"W; 13 Aug. 2001; 5800 ft.; D. Marqua leg.; UV; UCD. • 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; 15 Aug. 2001; UCD. • 1?; Brewster Co., Big Bend Park; 26 Jul. 1937; R. H. Baker; TAMU-ENTOX 0070916; TAMUIC. • 1?; same data as for preceding; 15 Jul. 1937; TAMU-ENTOX 0071037; TAMUIC. • 1 ♂; Brewster Co., BBNP, Basin Area; 29°16'12"N, 103°18'01"W; 18–19 Jul. 2002; E. G. & C. M. Riley leg.; at lights; Plega dactylota Rehn, 1930, det. J. D. Oswald, 2004; TAMU-ENTOX 0281148; TAMUIC. • 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; TAMU-ENTOX 0281153; TAMUIC. • 1 ♂; Brewster Co., Big Bend National Park, Basin Lodge; 5400 ft.; 08 Jul. 2001; D. G. Marqua leg.; Plega dactylota Rehn, 1930, det. J. D. Oswald, 2002; TAMU-ENTOX 0088735; TAMUIC. – Utah • 1 ♂; Juab Co., Hwy. 132 E. of Nephi, 1.5 mi. S. of Nebo Loop Rd.; 21 Mar. 1998; R. C. Mower leg.; Plega dactylota Rehn, 1930, de J. D. Oswald, 2003; TAMU-ENTOX 0090578; TAMUIC. • 1 ♀; Juab Co., Hwy. 132 E. of Nephi, 1.5 mi. S. of Nebo Loop Rd.; 21 Aug. 1998; R. C. Mower leg.; TAMU-ENTOX 0090575; TAMUIC.

Diagnosis.

This species is distinguished by the long antennae with discoidal basal flagellomeres. On the pronotum, often lateral pale bands are present. The forefemur posterior surface is either nearly completely brown or pale with two pairs of brown areas near the medial region. On the male genitalia, the gonocoxite IX is sinusoidal, with posterior apex equipped with 4–15 closely adpressed, twisted, digitiform processes. The median lobe of the gonocoxites XI has the dorsal part as an expanded arch with a less sclerotized medial area from which a ventrally incised process protrudes; the ventral part consists of a ventral, curved trapezoidal process. On the female genitalia, the gonocoxites + gonapophyses VIII medial part is keel-shaped, formed by to oval, medially joined plates; such a keel forms a posteromedial curved, bilobed process. The bursa copulatrix is short, conical, and moderately sclerotized. The spermatheca is thin, with the proximal section forming several coils; the medial section is a long spiral; the distal section is slightly expanded forming a D-shaped diverticulum.

Description.

Measurements. Male (n = 8). Forewing length: 7.3–12.84 mm; Hind wing length: 5.4–9.78 mm. Female (n = 12): Forewing length: 10.7–19.5 mm; Hind wing length: 8.7–15.3 mm.

Coloration (Fig. 32). Head. Pale with dark brown marks; vertexal pale with lateral, parallel, dark brown bands extended from occipital suture to supra-antennal area and enclosing lateral pale areas at level of paraocular region; area adjacent to occipital ridge dark brown; area adjacent to coronal suture pale to brown, sometimes arrow-shaped; supra-antennal area dark brown; brown setae present; occiput pale with dark brown mark, postgena pale with brown area. Antennal scape brown with pale outer surface, pedicel dark brown; flagellum pale to dark brown. Frons dark brown, sometimes with medial, pale area. Clypeus dark brown with pale anterior margin. Labrum brown; mandible pale with dark brown corners, dark amber at apex; maxilla pale with dark brown areas, palpus brown; labium pale with brown postmentum, ligula and palpus; palpimacula pale brown. Thorax. Pronotum pale with broad, brown, medial band, anterolateral areas dark brown; episternum brown; postfurcasternum pale. Mesonotum mostly dark brown, often with pale areas adjacent to sutures; scutellum sometimes with pale medial area. Metanotum dark brown, sometimes with pale anteromedian area; pre-episternum brown; pteropleura dark brown with pale areas. Foreleg. Coxa from pale with brown areas, to pale or dark brown or reddish brown; with interspersed pale and dark brown setae, sometimes mostly dark brown, setal bases pale to dark brown; trochanter pale with brown suffusions to brown with paler areas, setation as in coxa. Femur posterior surface either nearly completely brown or pale with two pairs of brown areas near medial region of femur; apex of posterior surface brown; anterior surface from brown to dark reddish brown, with pale proximal part of closing surface. Tibia posterior surface alternating pale and brown, anterior surface mostly dark brown, with preapical pale area. Basitarsus with base and lanceolate process dark amber, sub-basal area pale brown area, clavate setae brown; remaining tarsomeres pale brown. Mid- and hind leg. Coxae brown with paler areas; trochanter pale with brown areas. Femora and tibiae dashed, alternating pale and brown. Tarsi pale, becoming pale brown, towards the last tarsomere. Wings. Forewing mostly hyaline; membrane surrounding crossveins, R fork, stem of RP branches, M fork, first branch of CuA and apex of CuP, and terminal forks of longitudinal veins amber. Pterostigma brown with pale medial area. Major veins, subcostal veinlets and wing margin alternating pale and brown; crossveins dark brown. Hind wing hyaline, amber on area adjacent to stem first branch of CuA; pterostigma brown with pale preapical area; longitudinal veins mostly brown, with small pale areas; subcostal veinlets pale; crossveins brown, 1 r-m bicolor; wing margin alternating pale and brown. Abdomen. Tergites dark brown. Pleural membrane dark brown with pale areas. Sternites brown, with paler medial and lateral areas.

Morphology (Fig. 32). Head. Diamond-shaped in frontal view, rugose; vertexal region raised above compound eyes, with lateral rows of reclined setae; area surrounding coronal suture glabrous, with muscle insertion mark; coronal suture distinct; medial area of supra-antennal region not raised, with fine, reclined setae; paraocular area concave. Antenna sub-moniliform; scape as two times as long as wide, ventrally with a few thickened setae; pedicel as long as wide; flagellum slightly dorsoventrally flattened, with 42–56 flagellomeres, those of proximal ¼ discoidal, then changing from two times as long as wide to as long as wide; all articles with medial ring of fine, short setae. Compound eye hemispherical, as wide as ½ of the interocular distance at torulus level. Frons and clypeus narrow. Labrum pentagonal; maxillary palpus with first palpomere as long as wide, second 1.5 × as long as wide, third palpomere 4 × as long as wide, fourth palpomere 4 × as long as wide, fifth palpomere as long as third; mentum with long, thin setae; labial palpus with first palpomere 2.5 × as long as wide, second palpomere 5 × as long as wide, third palpomere slightly longer than second, palpimacula ovoid. Thorax. Pronotum as long as wide, with raised anterior margin, medial and posterior regions; outgrowths covered with pedicellate, thick setae. Mesonotum slightly wider than long, with abundant, thick, pedicellate setae on medial area. Metanotum ~ 2 × as wide as long. Pteropleura with short, thin setae, thicker on mesepisternum and metakatepisternum. Foreleg. Coxa as long as femur, cylindrical, anterior and posterior surfaces with pedicellate, fine or thick setae of different sizes; trochanter trapezoidal, dorsal surface with some thickened, pedicellate setae near distal margin; anterior surface without protuberant area. Femur robust, closing surface with posteroventral row of processes composed two medially located, primary processes; proximal portion of the row with sub-basal secondary process and basal tertiary process; the rest of the row with abundant tubercle-shaped processes, and stinger-shaped setae; distal portion carinate, composed of tubercle-shaped specializations and stinger-shaped setae; adjacent row of thickened setae with globular base present on distal ¼. Anteroventral row of processes reduced to proximal ½; composed of tubercle-shaped specializations and stinger-shaped setae; the basal-most primary, curved process is present; distal portion composed of few tubercle-shaped processes; adjacent row of thickened setae with globular base present on distal ⅘. Tibia almost as long as femur, curved, ventral surface keeled with row of prostrate setae; patch of clavate setae apically on anterior surface present. Basitarsus with lanceolate process reaching base of fourth tarsomere; clavate setae present proximally on anterior surface; ventrally with single row of prostrate setae; second tarsomere about 7 × as long as wide; third tarsomere as long as wide; fourth tarsomere ~ 3 × as long as wide. Mid- and hind leg. Coxa and trochanter with thin setae, shorter on trochanter; femora with interspersed fine setae of different lengths and few thickened setae; tibiae mostly with short fine setae; hind leg longer than midleg, tibia 1.5 × as long as femur; tarsomeres with distal margin of plantar surface with lateral groups of 5–8 thickened setae; on both legs, basitarsus 4 × as long as wide, second tarsomere 1.2 × as long as wide; third and fourth tarsomeres as long as wide; fifth tarsomere two times as long as wide. Wings. Forewing narrowly oval, trichosors present along margin except on wing base; costal space proximally expanded, humeral vein branched; 14–18 subcostal veinlets; pterostigma elongated, narrow, straight, with incomplete veinlets; subcostal space with single, medially located crossvein; Sc vein abruptly posteriorly bent at proximal pterostigma margin to merge with RA; radial space with two crossveins; rarp 2 gently curved with three or four RP branches; four veins arising from rarp 1; M vein basally fused with RA; RP base widely separated from divergence of M and R; M forked opposite to RP origin; 1 r-m connecting RP base and M fork, forming a trapezoidal cell; 5–7 gradate crossveins present. Cubitus deeply forked; CuP basally angled and approaching A 1, distally forked oppositely to level of separation of M and R; A 1 apically forked, ending on posterior margin at level of CuP fork, A 2 forked oppositely to CuP angle level. Hind wing smaller and narrower than forewing, narrowly oval; costal space narrow and reduced, with 6–8 veinlets; C and Sc fused at ¼ of wing length, Sc vein abruptly curved posteriad at proximal margin of pterostigma to merge RA; pterostigma elongated, narrow, gently curved, composed of incomplete veinlets; radial space with single crossvein, oblique; four veins arising from rarp 1, one or two from rarp 2. 1 r-m sigmoid, connecting the stems of M and RP. Media forked beyond R fork. Cubitus deeply forked, intracubital crossvein subparallel to longitudinal wing axis; CuA sinuous, first branch candelabrum-shaped, spur vein absent or present; CuP strongly anteriorly bent at distal ½, pectinate; two crossveins on cubitoanal space; A 1 apically simple, ending on wing margin at 1 r-m stem level; A 2 generally simple, short. Abdomen. Cylindrical to medially expanded, with subquadrate tergites; tergites III and IV with posteromedian concavity; tergites III-VII with elongated anterolateral scars; sternites rectangular.

Male genitalia (Fig. 33 A – E). Tergite IX medially narrower than laterally; lateral margin notched. Sternite VIII rectangular; sternite IX pentagonal in ventral view; posterior margin with short, medial, narrow lobe which is dorsally canaliculated; in lateral view triangular, apex not surpassing posterior margin of ectoproct. Gonocoxites IX elongate, thickened, sinusoid; base flattened, spatulated; apex branched, with 5–15 closely adpressed, twisted processes. Ectoproct ovoid, anteroventrally with rounded, flattened lobe that is continuous with ventromedial sclerotized, curved sulcus. Gonocoxites X forming a short, ventrally canaliculated sclerite, whose posterior apex has dorsal processes connected to gonostyli X and ventrolateral processes connected to gonapophyses X; gonostyli X with thickened and curved base, equipped with two lateral processes, the rest of the structure, ventrally curved, and anteriorly coiled, forming two loops before protruding from abdomen. Gonapophyses X long, straight, and narrow, with dorsally curved apexes; gonapophyses arranged in a V-shaped structure, joined by a membrane covering the gonostyli X base. Gonocoxites XI U-shaped, medial lobe complex and elaborated, with two differentiated parts: dorsal part as an expanded arch which has less sclerotized, transparent, medial area from which a ventrally incised process protrudes; ventral part as a curved, short lobe; lateral arms of gonocoxites XI straight, with anterior apex curved posteroventrally. Hypandrium arched and concave.

Female genitalia (Fig. 33 F – I). Sternite VII medially narrower than laterally, posterior margin concave, with long, thickened setae. Tergite VIII narrower medially than laterally, encircling the spiracle of the segment; lateral margin bluntly quadrangular. Gonocoxites + gonapophyses VIII medial part keel-shaped, posteromedially produced into a short bilobed process; lateral part an oval plate. Tergite IX + ectoproct ovoid. Gonocoxites IX elongated, sinuous, and narrow, as long as the last seven abdominal segments together. Bursa copulatrix short, conical, and moderately sclerotized. Spermatheca long, complex and entangled; proximal section thin, long, forming several coils; medial section as wide as proximal section, forming a long spiral; distal section forming several convolutions, distally widened, forming a diverticulum; fertilization canal duct proximally triangular, concave; fertilization canal elongated, curved, covered with microfilaments.

Distribution.

Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila, Guerrero, Jalisco, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Puebla, Querétaro, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tamaulipas), USA (Arizona, Colorado?, New Mexico, Texas, Utah).

Remarks.

This species is widely distributed in Mexico and the United States. The records from Coahuila and Sinaloa were extracted from Oswald et al. (2002) and Reynoso-Velasco and Contreras-Ramos (2008). The records from Baja California Sur provided by these same authors are more likely erroneous and based on the material studied herein, such reports correspond to P. flammata. Here, this species is newly recorded for the Mexican states of Guerrero, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Puebla, and Tamaulipas. Rehn (1939 b) reported this species from Arizona (Cochise and Mohave Counties), Nevada (Charleston), Utah (Stockton and Duchesne) and Texas (Brewster and Jeff Davis Counties). The records from California provided by Penny et al. (1997) are likely doubtful and these probably represent specimens of P. signata. Here, this species is newly recorded from New Mexico.

This species is highly variable in coloration, size, and morphology. Rice (1987) studied the variation on the number of processes of the male gonocoxites IX, reporting from seven to twelve processes, leading to the synonymy of Plega dactylota lipanica Rehn. Based on the examination of the type specimen of P. fratercula and numerous specimens of P. dactylota, it was concluded the former represent a synonym of the latter. In the original description by Rehn (1939 b), this species was separated from other North American species based on its body size and the presence of five processes on the gonocoxites IX. The overall arrangement of these processes was also used to distinguish this species, but this condition is noticeably similar to that expressed by P. dactylota. In this work, several small- and large sized specimens with only four processes were studied, leading to the conclusion that this character is quite plastic, and the variation is even broader to that reported by Rice (1987). Additional support for this synonymy is based on the morphology of the remaining genital sclerites of the male of P. fratercula being identical to those of P. dactylota. Finally, the distribution of P. fratercula from a single locality in Arizona is entirely overlapped with that of P. dactylota which is wide in this state.