Smicridea (Smicridea) cholta Flint 1974

Smicridea (S.) cholta

From S. nahuatl, new species, this species is to be distinguished by the structure of the aedeagus. The dorsal and ventral processes of the lateral plate of the aedeagus are almost directly over one another and the internal spine is long and slender, with the tip sharply angled dorsad in S. cholta.

The female is to be recognized by the structure of the sclerites of the vagina. The outline of the lateral supports are uniform and rather simple, without heavily sclerotized folds capping the arms, but with several lightly sclerotized structures in the membrane posteriad.

ADULT.—Length of forewing 4.5 mm. Color black, legs paler basally, head with white hair anteromesally; forewing with 2 transverse white bands, with white apical fringe (cf. Figure 20). Male genitalia: Ninth segment with anterior margin greatly expanded into a rounded lobe. Tenth tergite in lateral aspect narrow, with an upturned tip; in dorsal aspect with lateral margin expanded basally, tip broadly rounded. Clasper with basal segment long, slightly expanded apically; apical segment with tip produced into a point in dorsal aspect. Aedeagus enlarged basally, open apically; apex with ventral lobe divided mesally, developed as broad lateral plates, bearing laterally directed points apicoventrally and apicodorsally; with a pair of long, slender, mesal spines angled dorsad at tips; with a membranous central region, and a slender membranous dorsomesal process. Female genitalia: Ninth tergum produced anterolaterally. Vagina with central sclerite slightly elongate with mesal opening circular; lateral supports in form of a truncate V, outline smooth, with several lightly sclerotized structures posteriad.

IMMATURE STAGES.—Unknown.

MATERIAL.—Holotype, male: GUATEMALA, IZABAL, Matias de Galvez, 14–16 August 1965, Flint, Spangler, and Ortiz. USNM Type 72696. Paratypes: Same data, 15 3.

BIOLOGY.—I have only taken this species at an ultraviolet light on one occasion, the adjacent stream being 3–5 meters wide by a quarter to a half meter deep, and flowing rapidly over falls, cascades, and pools. Although the stream fluctuates with heavy rains, it remains surprisingly clear, and is probably mostly spring fed.