Polistes (Aphanilopterus) aterrimus de Saussure 1853

Polistes (Aphanilopterus) aterrimus de Saussure

Paramere (Fig. 3A): (1) about three times longer than wide at the middle; (2) lateral groove shallow; (3) parameral spine long (about 1/6 the total length of paramere), pointed apically with long and sparse bristles, mainly on spine base; (4) paramere lobe developed and rounded; (5) inferior portion of paramere narrow, about 2/3 the width at the middle portion. Aedeagus (Fig. 3B, C): slender; (1) apical portion with fine and serrated denticulation, extended from the apex of the apical portion to the median expansion, lateral margin straight; (2) penis valve weakly dilated and with a slight central entrance (about 1/3 of the total length of apical portion); (3) median expansion developed, curved and weakly pointed apex; (4) lateral apodeme directed forward and almost the same size as the ventral process, (5) ventral process rounded and slightly expanded in apex; (6) inferior portion of aedeagus curved, in lateral view. Digitus (Fig. 3D): slender; (1) apical process developed, about twice longer than the digitus base, with a strong constriction at the base and widening at the apex, (2) apex rounded; (3) anteroventral lobe short and rounded apically; (4) punctation larger on the side of the base; (5) bristles evanescent. Cuspis (Fig. 3E): slender; (1) apex pointed and tapering abruptly to the end; (2) short and dense bristles on cuspis; (3) punctation restricted on lateral lobe; (4) lower part very developed with short bristles.

Remarks. Richards (1978: 495) characterized the denticulation on the ventral portion as “very small”. The hair on the spine of the paramere seems the same of that in the Fig. 138 in Richards (1978: 493); the ventral process of the basal portion is more pointed and the cuspis with a blunt process.