Smicridea (Rhyacophylax) veracruzensis Flint 1974

Smicridea (R.) veracruzensis

This, the third species of the dispar group, is not as closely related as the other two. The long, slightly bowed apical section of the aedeagus of this species is very different from that of the others. In the female, the anterior bar of the vagina possesses long, posteriorly directed lateral processes, and the central pore is a more complex structure than in the other two species. The internal plate is more U-shaped, with a broader anterior connection between the lateral arms.

ADULT.—Length of forewing 5.5–6.5 mm. Color brown; forewing brown of several shades, marked with irregular, lighter, and darker transverse bands (cf. Figure 37). Fifth sternum with anterolateral process barely longer than sternum in male, a bit shorter than sternum in female. Male genitalia: Ninth segment with anterolateral margin broadly rounded. Tenth tergite in lateral aspect with apex produced into a small, rounded, upturned lobe; in dorsal aspect with tip broadly rounded. Clasper with basal segment long, dorsal margin sinuate; apical segment with tip produced into a point in dorsal aspect. Aedeagus tubular, with basal and apical sections meeting at about 90°; apical section long, slender, and gently arched; tip internally with a slender mesal structure and lateral plates which open laterad when the mesal structure is exserted. Female genitalia: Internal plate in posterodorsal aspect broadly U-shaped, with anterior connection broad. Vagina with anterior bar with long, posteriorly directed lateral processes, central pore borne on a complex sclerite.

IMMATURE STAGES.—Unknown.

MATERIAL.—Holotype, male: MEXICO, VERACRUZ, Cordoba, 28 July 1965, Flint and Ortiz. USNM Type 72713. Paratypes: Same, but 13 August 1964, P. J. Spangler, 66; same, but 6–9 November 1966, A. B. Lau, 8; same, but 11–20 November 1966, 11 . Fortin de las Flores, 17 May 1964, Blanton, et al, 4. Cuitlahuac, 10–12 August 1964, P. J. Spangler, l 10 . Rió Tacolapan, route 180, km 551, 25–26 July 1966, Flint and Ortiz, 87 81 . HIDALGO: Mixquiahuala, 17 June 1934, A. Dampf, at light, 1 (INHS). 3 miles E of Zimapan, 6400′, 31 July–1 August 1963, Duckworth and Davis, l 1 . CHIAPAS: El Chorreadero, near Chiapa de Corzo, 11 August 1967, Flint and Ortiz, 1 3 . Chiapa de Corzo, 26 July 1926, A. Dampf, 1 (INHS).

GUATEMALA: HUEHUETENANGO: 20 miles NW of Huehuetenango, 8–10 August 1967, O. S. Flint, Jr., 1 1 .

BIOLOGY.—Although the adults of this species are frequently taken at lights together with those of S. dtthyra, other aspects of the biology are unclear. The two larger collections were taken near small, clear streams 3–5 meters wide, flowing through forests, and with many lateral springs.