Smicridea (Rhyacophylax) inarmata Flint 1974

Smicridea (R.) inarmata

This species is a member of the signata group, very close to S. bifurcata, new species, with which it agrees in lacking the lateral processes and apical lobes of the aedeagus. However, the apicoventral, tonguelike process of the aedeagus is more like that of S. signata, and the tenth tergite lacks the apical and lateral points, but has developed the ventrolateral margin into a more heavily sclerotized, rimlike, structure.

ADULT.—Length of forewing 4.5 mm. Color in alcohol pale brown; forewing appearing to be colored much as in S. signata (cf. Figure 30). Fifth sternum in male with anterolateral process one and one-half length of sternum. Male genitalia: Ninth segment with anterolateral margin produced into a rounded lobe. Tenth tergite in lateral aspect with apex produced into a small dorsal angle, with ventral margin developed into a strongly sclerotized rim; in dorsal aspect with tip rounded and slightly incurved, with lateral margin slightly produced. Clasper with basal segment long, slightly inflated apicad; apical segment ending in a point in dorsal aspect. Aedeagus tubular, with basal and apical sections meeting at an angle of about 110°; apex with a tonguelike ventral lobe arising from a slightly sinuate base, internally with a long, paired, eversible structure bearing a pair of lateral sclerotized points. Female genitalia: Unknown.

IMMATURE STAGES.—Unknown.

MATERIAL.—Holotype, male: MEXICO, CHIAPAS, Finca Esperanza, 26 June 1938, A. Dampf, at light, MF 6937 (INHS). Paratypes: Same, but 26–31 March 1939, l (USNM); same, but 12 April 1938, 1 (INHS); same, but 25 April 1938, 1 (USNM); same, but 2 May 1938, 1 (INHS); same, but 26 May 1938, 1 (USNM); same, but 28 June 1938, l (INHS); same, but 30 June 1938, 2 (INHS, USNM); same, but 3 August 1938, 1 (USNM).

BIOLOGY.—Beyond the fact that the adults were attracted to lights, nothing is known about the biology of this species.