Triaenodes tico, new species

Fig. 1–2, 27, 38

The combination of an apicoventral projection on the inferior appendage, digitate dorsomesal process of tergum X, and medially excavate apex of tergum X, places this species with T. acanthus, T. anomalus, T. flintorum, T. hodgesi, and certain variants of T. delicatus. However, the much more deeply excavate apex of tergum X distinguishes this species from the aforementioned ones.

Adult (male: n=10, female: n=6). Forewing length 7.1–7.8, 7.4 mm (male), 7.4–7.9, 7.7 mm (female); hind wing length 5.5–6.2, 5.9 mm (male), 6.1–6.6, 6.4 mm (female). Eye 0.42–0.47, 0.44 mm wide (male), 0.37–0.42, 0.40 mm wide (female). Antennal scape 0.52–0.56, 0.54 mm long (male), 0.50–0.55, 0.53 mm long (female). Maxillary palp segment lengths (in mm): 0.26–0.34, 0.30; 0.40–0.47, 0.43; 0.56–0.66, 0.61; 0.29–0.37, 0.32; 0.58–0.63, 0.60 (male); 0.31–0.43, 0.35; 0.45–0.53, 0.48; 0.61–0.77, 0.68; 0.34–0.40, 0.36; 0.56–0.74, 0.65 (female). Forewing golden brown, with narrow line of cream colored hairs along anal margin.

Male genitalia. Abdominal segment IX anterior margin slightly rounded, produced anteroventrally; pleural region very lightly sclerotized, heavily setose; tergum IX, in dorsal view, with posteromesal margin produced into digitate lobe, with pair of small dorsomesal papillae; sternum IX in lateral view with posterior margin slightly sinuate. Preanal appendage setose, about as long as wide, constricted basally, apex subacute. Dorsomesal process of tergum X digitate, originating basally, long, about half length of tergum X, with apical setae, process directed dorsad; tergum X, in dorsal view, with lateral margins subtriangular, apex strongly excavate medially; in lateral view, parallel sided, apex truncate, apicolateral margins with microtrichia. Inferior appendage subquadrangular basally, setose, with tapering apicoventral projection; recurved process gradually downturned, narrow, tapering throughout length, but constricted subapically, apex attenuate; apicomesal lobe heavily setose, elongate, narrow, parallel sided. Phallobase small, triangular, endothecal membranes prominent, highly convoluted, with pair of parameres, parameres subequal, long, gently curved, tapering; phalicata troughlike, gently curved, widest medially, tapering apically, apex acute, phallotremal sclerite not evident.

Female genitalia. Abdominal segment VIII with sternum setose posteriorly, pleural region highly membranous. Posterior margin tergum IX rounded in dorsal view, with papillose lobes not evident. Valves heavily setose, elliptical. Tergum X setose, triangular in lateral view, ventrolateral margin straight, apex acute; in dorsal view constricted medially, apex rounded. Appendage of segment X setose, narrow basally, elliptical. Structures of internal genitalia as in Figs. 38A, C; vaginal chamber in ventral view cordate.

Holotype male: COSTA RICA: San José: Río Parrita Chiquito, rt. 12, 6.5 km SW jct. rt. 2, 09°42’11”N, 083°58’12”W, 1990 m, 10.iv.1987, Holzenthal, Hamilton & Heyn (UMSP000083677) (UMSP).

Paratypes: COSTA RICA: Cartago: Reserva Tapantí, Río Dos Amigos & falls, ca. 6 km (road) NW tunnel, 09°42’14”N, 083°46’59”W, 1500 m, 4–5.viii.1990, Holzenthal, Blahnik & Muñoz — 1 female, 10 males (UMSP); Puntarenas: Río Bellavista, ca. 1.5 km NW Las Alturas, 08°57’04”N, 082°50’46”W, 1400 m, 10–11.viii.1990, Holzenthal, Blahnik & Muñoz — 1 male (UMSP); San José: Río Parrita Chiquito, rt. 12, 6.5 km SW jct. rt. 2, 09°42’11”N, 083°58’12”W, 1990 m, 10.iv.1987, Holzenthal, Hamilton & Heyn — 6 females, 1 male (UMSP). PANAMA: Chiriqui: Guadalupe Arriba, 08°52’26”N, 082°33’13”W, 28.iii.–3.iv.1984, H Wolda — 1 male (NMNH); 11–17.ix.1985, H Wolda — 1 male (NMNH).

Additional material examined: COSTA RICA: Puntarenas: trib. to Río Bellavista in Las Alturas (road to quarry), 08°57’07”N, 082°50’53”W, 1480 m, 13–14.viii.1990, Holzenthal Blahnik & Muñoz — 4 larvae, 3 pupae (UMSP); San José: Ráo Parrita Chiquito, rt. 12, 6.5 km SW jct. rt. 2, 09°42’11”N, 083°58’12”W, 1990 m, 10.iv.1987, Holzenthal, Hamilton & Heyn — 3 larvae, 3 pupae (UMSP).

Distribution. Costa Rica, Panama.

Etymology. Named for the Costa Ricans or Ticos.