Smicridea (Rhyacophylax) petasata Flint 1981

Smicridea (Rhyacophylax) petasata

This species is a well-marked member of the peruana group perhaps closest to S. (R.) talamanca Flint. The large fimbriate lobe overlying the aedeagus is probably a further development of the narrow sclerotized lobe of S. talamanca. This fimbriate lobe, the apicolateral processes, and internal sclerites of the aedeagus are distinctive.

ADULT.—Length of forewing, 6 mm. Color pale yellowish-brown; forewing with dark marks on crossveins and in a subterminal band beyond which the wing tip is slightly darkened. Fifth sternum with lateral processes long, almost attaining posterior of sixth segment. Male genitalia: Ninth segment with a large, rounded anterolateral lobe; no posteroventral process. Tenth tergite in lateral aspect with ventral margin sclerotized, tip narrowly produced posteriad; in dorsal aspect with tip rounded, produced posteriad. Clasper with basal segment long, inflated apicad; apical segment with tip rounded in dorsal aspect. Aedeagus tubular with basal section enlarged and angled to axis of stem which is narrow and arched; with a long, broad, lightly sclerotized lobe which is fimbriate marginally overlying stem; apex with serrate lateral lobes and elongate, threadlike internal structures.

MATERIAL.—Holotype, male: VENEZUELA, ARAGUA, Maracay, Río Limón, Estacion Piscicultura, 4–5 Dec 1974, F.H. Weibezhan. USNM Type 76622.

Paratypes: ECUADOR, PASTAZA: 27 km N Puyo, Estacion Fluviómétrica, 4 Feb 1976, Spangler, et al., 2.