Smicridea (Smicridea) urra Flint 1991

Smicridea (Smicridea) urra

This seems to be the most primitive member of the line leading to S. (S.) breviuncata Flint, S. (S.) conjuncta, new species, and beyond to S. (S.) ruginosa, new species, etc. The elongate basal clasper segment, being widespread in the genus, would seem to be quite primitive, yet the apical segment is already modified as in many of the more advanced species. The membranous, lightly sclerotized process of the apex of the phallus appears to be placed as in the more advanced species where they are fully sclerotized. However, the tenth tergum is strongly modified and very distinctive.

ADULT.—Length of forewing, 5 mm. Color in alcohol, uniformly brown. Male abdomen with 2 pairs of large internal sacs, each about 1½ times as long as its segment. Male genitalia: Ninth segment with a strong dorsolateral angle; with ventrolateral area expanded latcrad, providing a broad lateral base for claspers. Tenth tergites strongly sclerotized, widely and deeply separated in dorsal aspect; in lateral aspect broad, rounded apicad, with a dark ventrolateral lobe. Clasper with basal segment elongate, nearly parallel-sided; apical segment sharply angled mesad, tip pointed. Phallus tubular, angled from base; apex slightly inflated, mostly membranous, with a pair of dorsolateral lobes lightly sclerotized apically, a ventral, lip-like lobe lightly sclerotized dorsomesally; internal sclerite caliper-like in dorsal aspect with apicolatcral points strongly sclerotized.

MATERIAL.—Holotype, male: COLOMBIA. DPTO. ANTIOQUIA: Urrao, 2000–2500 m, 18 Mar 1984, U. Matthias. USNM Type.