Mortoniella uruguaiensis Blahnik & Holzenthal 2011, new species

Fig. 18

As discussed in the diagnosis for Mortoniella paraguaiensis, n. sp., M. uruguaiensis, n. sp., is closely related to a group of species, including M. paraguaiensis; M. paraunota, n. sp.; and M. unota. All of these species are characterized by a dorsal phallic spine that, in lateral view, has a sharply upturned, blade-like apex, accompanied by a slight ventral deflection at the point of inflection. In dorsal view the spine is very narrow apically and distinctly widened at the point of inflection. All of the species except M. paraunota also have short paramere appendages and inferior appendages with the apices at least somewhat recurved. Mortoniella uruguaiensis is diagnostically characterized by the shape of the dorsolateral processes of the phallicata, which are very elongate and somewhat elevated basally. It resembles M. paraunota in that the apical inflection of the dorsal phallic spine is less pronounced than in the other 2 species of this group. It differs in the shorter paramere appendages, and in having the apex of the inferior appendages forming a short, but very strongly bent projection.

Adult. Length of forewing: male 2.4-2.9 mm. Forewing with forks I, II, and III present, hind wing with fork II only. Spur formula 0:4:4. Overall color (in alcohol) yellowish-brown. Wing bar at anastamosis not evident (in alcohol).

Male genitalia. Ventral process of segment VI laterally compressed, ventrally projecting, subtriangular, wide basally, acute apically. Segment IX nearly evenly rounded anterolaterally, length greatest midlaterally, posterolateral margin convexly rounded dorsally, narrowing ventrally; segment deeply excised dorsomesally and ventromesally, forming lateral lobes, lobes separated dorsomesally by much less than 1/2 width of segment. Tergum X with narrow, U-shaped mesal excision and distinctly projecting lateral lobes; lateral lobes acute apically, as viewed both dorsally and laterally. Inferior appendages without ventromesal projection, but mesal margin weakly, angularly produced; laterally, on each side, with setose, tapering, dorsally-directed lobes, apices of lobes with short, angularly recurved projection, apex acute. Mesal pockets of fused inferior appendages with apical processes short, dorsally curved. Paramere appendages very short, narrow, uniform in width, apices acute, appendages somewhat downcurved. Dorsal phallic spine, as viewed laterally, upturned in apical 1/2, spine with distinct sinuous deflection on ventral margin at point of upturn; in dorsal view, slightly widened from base to point of inflection, apical part abruptly narrowed, making overall appearance of apex blade-like. Phallicata with mesally fused dorsolateral processes; dorsolateral processes distinctly sclerotized, elongate, narrow, posteriorly curved. Endophallic membrane simple, with short, stout, curved, ventromesal spine; phallotremal spines absent.

Holotype male: URUGUAY: Artigas: San Gregorio, 30°33'S, 057°52'W, Carbonell, Mesa, & San Martin (UMSP000124875) (alcohol) (NMNH).

Paratypes: BRAZIL: Santa Catarina: Nova Teutonia, 27°11'S, 052°23'W, 300-500 m, xi.1963, F Plaumann — 2 males (alcohol) (NMNH, MZUSP); URUGUAY: Artigas: same locality and date as holotype — 4 males (alcohol) (NMNH, UMSP).

Etymology. This species is named M. uruguaiensis for the country of origin of the holotype specimen.