Contulma caldensis Holzenthal & Flint 1995

Contulma caldensis

This species can be distinguished from other members of the genus by the general absence of prominent spines or processes on segment IX. Instead there are short, spinous projections dorsolaterally on IX and short, inconspicuous setae on the mesolateral surfaces of IX. In addition, the inferior appendages are long and curved, similar to those found in C. spinosa.

MALE.—Length 7.5–8.5 mm. Color fuscous, forewing with three patches of cream-colored setae: at arculus, pterostigma, and apex of discal cell. Foretibia with second spur not apparent. Segment IX, short dorsally; in lateral view, IX extended anterodorsally; posteriorly with short, spinous to serrate, setose dorsolateral processes; posterolateral to posteroventral margin of IX a blunt, very heavily setose lobe, its mesolateral surface excavate and bearing small, inconspicuous, mound-like, setose projections; sternum IX with posteromesal, sclerotized, quadrate projection, its apicolateral corners rounded and its apex slightly excavate mesally. Segment X mound-like, entirely membranous. Inferior appendages elongate, crescentic, curved downward, apically setose; inferior appendages fused basally and apparently fused to base of IXth sternal projection, together forming highly complex structure as in Figure 37. Processes of subphallic membranes present, small, mound-like, setose. Phallus relatively simple; phallobase elongate, sclerotized; phallicata apparently present, but very lightly sclerotized; pair of long, flat, lightly sclerotized parameres; phallus bearing lightly sclerotized, trough-like apex.

MATERIAL EXAMINED.—Holotype (male): COLOMBIA, CALDAS, 1.1 km E Termales de Ruíz, 3600 m, 28 Feb 1984, C.M. and O.S. Flint, Jr. (NMNH).

Paratype: COLOMBIA, CALDAS, 0.7 km S entrance Parque Nacional Los Nevados, 4100 m, 28 Feb 1984, C.M. and O.S. Flint, Jr., 1 (NMNH).

ETYMOLOGY.—Named for the type locality, the Colombian state of Caldas.