Smicridea (Smicridea) pipila Flint 1974

Smicridea (S.) pipila

This is another species which, beyond its obvious placement in the nigripennis group, does not show any clear relationships. The very broad, truncate mesal lobe and unusual mesal structure of the aedeagus are diagnostic. In the Mexican specimen the aedeagus differs somewhat in being proportionately longer between the ventral attachment near midlength and the commencement of the dorsal complex, and in that the ventral, internal spine is long and straight. The remainder of the genitalia seem identical, however.

The general appearance of the sclerites of the female vagina is totally different from that of any other known species, and permits easy identification.

ADULT.—Length of forewing 4 mm. Color in alcohol, dark brown; with an indication of transverse pale bands on the forewing. Male genitalia: Ninth segment with anterior margin developed into a rounded lobe. Tenth tergite short in lateral aspect, tapering from a broad base to a rounded apex; in dorsal aspect with apex truncate, lateral margin not produced. Clasper with basal segment long, barely inflated apically; apical segment with tip barely pointed in dorsal aspect. Aedeagus with basal half enlarged, open apically; apex with ventral lobe entire, broadly scoop-shaped, truncate apically; internally with a complex of structures, including a hooked ventral spine, and a pair of elongate, lightly sclerotized processes. Female genitalia: Ninth segment produced anterolaterally. Vagina with several lobes anteriorly, central sclerite thick with an elongate mesal opening, with lateral caplike sclerites.

IMMATURE STAGES.—Unknown.

MATERIAL.—Holotype, male: GUATEMALA, ESCUINTLA, Rió Metapa, 10 km SE of Escuintla, 275 m elevation, 5–6 March 1970, E. J. Fee. USNM Type 72704. Paratype: Same data, 1 . Other: MEXICO (no further data), A. Dampf, MF 4643, l (INHS).

BIOLOGY.—Nothing is known of the biology of this species.

As outlined under the subgenus Smicridea, the two subgenera are easily characterized in the adult stage, but not in the immature stages. The manner of separation of the veins R2 + 3 and R4 + 5 and the proximity of the radiomedial system basally to the cubital system in the hind wing are sufficient for the recognition of the two subgenera. In addition the fifth abdominal sternum in Rhyacophylax bears anterolateral filaments which are lacking in Smicridea sensu stricto. The males of Rhyacophylax lack the two preapical spurs on the hind leg rather than having the full complement of spurs as in the nominate subgenus.

The species of the subgenus that occur in Mesoamerica may be placed into five groups, which are not so sharply defined, however, as the two major groups in Smicridea sensu stricto. The signata group is defined by the possession of a fixed, tongue-like process ventrally from the apex of the aedeagus, and there is often a lobe with spines from the ventrolateral margin of the tenth tergite. This group contains S. signata (Banks), S. bifurcala, new species, S. salta, new species, S. inarmata, new species, and S. arizonensis, new species. The second group contains only S. radula, new species. This species offers so many unique structures in the aedeagus and tenth tergite that it is difficult to discern its relationships. The next two species, S. acuminata, new species, and S. talamanca, new species, belong to the peruana group, which, like the magna group, seems to be centered in South America. These are large species, and the aedeagus often bears asperites externally and a rather complex, eversible internal complex. Smicridea zanclophora, new species, is the only regional species that belongs to the magna group. This group is recognized by the lack of the apicoventral lobe on the aedeagus and the possession of a pair of apicodorsal lobes. The dispar group contains in addition to S. dispar (Banks), S. dithyra, new species, and S. veracruzensis, new species. In this group the aedeagus is quite simple, without major lobes apically, and the forewings have a characteristic dark coloration (Figure 37).