Triaenodes moncho Holzenthal & Contents 2004, new species

Triaenodes moncho, new species

Fig. 19

This is a very distinctive species in a number of features. First, like several other Neotropical Triaenodes, it lacks an apicoventral process on the inferior appendage, but in this species the base of the inferior appendage is especially heavily sclerotized and setose. In addition, the broad, flat recurved process of the inferior appendage and the long, thin, subapically curved pair of parameres, in addition to a third paramere, render it distinct.

Adult (male: n=1). Forewing length 5.0 mm, hind wing length 3.9 mm. Eye 0.31 mm wide. Antennal scape 0.34 mm long. Maxillary palp segment lengths (in mm): 0.23, 0.29, 0.34, 0.21, segment V missing. Forewing pale yellow, denuded.

Male genitalia. Abdominal segment IX anterior margin nearly straight; pleural region membranous, sparsely setose (or not evident); tergum IX, in dorsal view, with posteromesal margin rounded, dorsomesal papillae not evident; sternum IX in lateral view with posterior margin strongly sinuate. Preanal appendage setose, at least twice as long as wide, broad basally, apex rounded. Dorsomesal process of tergum X digitate, originating basally, long, less than half length of tergum X, with apical setae; tergum X, in dorsal view, with lateral margins sinuate, narrowing apically, apex slightly excavate medially; in lateral view, triangular, tapering to apex, with broad lateral flange, apicolateral margins without microtrichia (or not evident). Inferior appendage rounded basally, heavily setose, especially apically, without apicoventral projection; recurved process gradually downturned, broad, flat throughout length, apex attenuate, hooklike, with subbasal flange; apicomesal lobe heavily setose, elongate, irregularly elliptical. Phallobase small, triangular, endothecal membranes prominent, highly convoluted, with three parameres, two parameres subequal, long, thin, subapically curved, third shorter, straight, very needlelike; phalicata troughlike, straight, narrow throughout length, apex rounded, phallotremal sclerite not evident.

Holotype male: COSTA RICA: Alajuela: Reserva Forestal San Ramón, Río San Lorencito & tribs., 10°12’58”N, 084°36’25”W, 980 m, 30.iii.–1.iv.1987, Holzenthal, Hamilton & Heyn (UMSP000027129) (UMSP).

Distribution. Costa Rica.

Etymology. Moncho is the nickname in Spanish for the masculine name Ramón, in honor of the forest reserve of San Ramón.