Helicopsyche alajuela, new species

Fig. 1–7, 22

Helicopsyche alajuela is most similar to H. chipoensis Johanson & Malm, 2006, H. chiriquensis Johanson & Malm, 2006, H. perija Johanson & Holzenthal, 2004, and H. circulata Johanson & Holzenthal, 2004, particularly due to the similar shape of the primary branch of the gonopods. The new species is easily distinguished from these by the absence of the basomesal lobes on the gonopods.

Forewing length 3.4 mm, hind wing length 2.4 mm.

Male abdomen and genitalia (Fig. 1–7). Sternal process VI long, straight, oriented posteroventrad; parallel-sided in lateral view (Fig. 1); weakly tapering in ventral view (Fig. 2). Anterior lobe of segment IX (Fig. 3) narrowly ellipsoid in lateral view, oriented anterodorsad from midheight of segment IX; anterodorsal and anteroventral margins concave; ventral margin long, straight (Fig. 3); in dorsal view, inner margin forming diamond-shaped cavity (Fig. 4); in ventral view, with small central posterior process (Fig. 5); lateral apodeme nearly horizontal (Fig. 3), tapering anteriorly, meeting anterior margin, sub-marginal line absent; tergal transverse apodeme absent; sternal transverse apodemes present. Tergum X, in lateral view, oriented posteroventrad (Fig. 3), straight, apex rounded, weakly tapering along its length (Fig. 4); in dorsal view, tongue-shaped (Fig. 4), apical part shallowly notched, with about 13 pairs of equally long megasetae in longitudinal group, starting basally on segment. Superior appendage tubular (Fig. 4). Primary branch of gonopods, in lateral view (Fig. 3), strongly broadened distad, narrowest immediately behind posterior margin of segment IX; dorsal margins semi-circular, weakly undulating; ventral margin irregularly undulating (Fig. 3); apices produced mesad. Basomesal lobes absent; posterobasal margins strongly undulating, with setae (Fig. 5). Basal plate, in lateral view (Fig. 3), nearly straight, wide along its length; in ventral view, sharply triangular (Fig. 5). Phallic apparatus, lateral view, wide proximally (Fig. 6), narrowest at mid-length, apex about as broad as base; slightly curving ventrad along its length; in ventral view, with basis narrow; (Fig. 7) slightly wider proximally and distally; endotheca weakly produced, posteroventral part well sclerotized; sperm channel slender anteriorly before sharply widening at 1/3rd phallic length (Fig. 6).

Male holotype. COSTA RICA: Alajuela: Reserva Forestal San Ramón, Río San Lorencito and tribs, 10.216°N, 84.607°W, 13–16.vi. 1988, 980 m [C.M. & O.S. Flint, Holzenthal] (NMNH, alcohol).

Paratype. same data as holotype, abdomen lost— 1 male (NMNH, alcohol).

Distribution. Costa Rica (Alajuela) (Fig. 22).

Etymology. Alajuela, named after the province of the type locality.