Styliger Plate Research Articles

A new species of Askola Peters, 1969 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) from Southeastern Brazil.

Askola fortuita sp. nov. is described based on male imagos from Southeastern Brazil, near Caparaó National Park. The new species is somewhat similar to A. froehlichi Peters, 1969 in regards to development of the male compound eyes and relative length of penis, but can be readily distinguished from this and other species of the genus by the following characteristics: dorsal portion of compound eyes widely meeting on meson of head; forewings hyaline; femora white, with a submedial mark and an apical band, both orangish brown; abdominal coloration mostly translucent white; genitalia with styliger plate washed with brown and red laterally, forceps segment I reddish-brown on basal ¼ , remainder translucent white, penes yellowish brown; penes not extending beyond posterior margin of styliger plate.

New species and records of Caenidae Newman, 1853 (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) from Northeastern Brazil.

New distributional records for four species and the description of a new species of Caenis Stephens from Parnaba River Basin, in a semiarid region of the state of Piau, Northeastern Brazil are given. Characters and illustrations to distinguish Caenis marataoan sp. nov. from all other species in Caenis are provided. The new species can be distinguished by the following combination of characters: 1) body length of male 1.52.0 mm, female 2.52.8 mm; 2) base of antennal flagellum not dilated; 3) forceps apically rounded, covered with trichomes and with 23 minute spines at apex; 4) styliger plate short with posterior margin convex; 5) penis fused and not laterally projected; 6) eggs oval-shaped; micropyle linear with narrow and long micropylar canal, preceded by an oval sperm guide.

Thraulodes Ulmer 1920 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) from Esprito Santo state, Brazil.

Based on material collected during the past 10 years in the State of Esprito Santo and adjacent areas in Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil, we identified three species of the genus Thraulodes: T. itatiajanus Traver Edmunds, for which we present new records and description of the female imago; T. luisae Souto, Da-Silva Nessimian, first recorded for the state and for which we describe the nymphal stage; and T. alegre sp. nov., described based on male and female imago. The main diagnostic characteristics of the new species are: color of abdominal terga IVI whitish translucent, terga IIVI with subrectangular dark brown mark near posterior margin and with midway spot; styliger plate triangular and whitish; penes light yellow, with lateral pouch and penes spines long and tapered, with robust bases.

A new species of Thraulodes Ulmer (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae), with additional data on the anatomy of the reproductive tract

ABSTRACT A new species of Thraulodes Ulmer 1920 is described based on nymphs and imagos from Tapias river, Caldas department, Colombia. The mature nymphs were reared until the emergence of the imagos. Thraulodes latinus sp. n. can be distinguished from other species of the genus by: In males, the forewing without cross veins basal to bullae and with 11-14 cross veins distal to bullae, abdominal and legs color pattern, styliger plate redounded, with a long and digitiform median projection and shape of penes with apicolateral area forming an “ear-like” projection. In nymphs, the claws with eight denticles and the general coloration pattern. Additionally, data on the anatomy of the reproductive tract of both the male and female imago of the new species are presented.

New species of Miroculis Edmunds, 1963 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) based on nymphs and imagos from Chapada Diamantina's Complex, Northeast Brazil.

Miroculis Edmunds represents one of the most species-rich genera amongst Neotropical leptophlebiids comprising 25 valid species, with 18 of them reported from Brazil. Although several species have been described throughout the years, the taxonomy of Miroculis has focused mainly on male imagos, with other semaphoronts often unknown. Here, Miroculis (Miroculis) niltoi sp. nov. is described based on nymphs and imagos from Chapada Diamantina's Complex, Northeast Brazil. Male imagos of M. (M.) niltoi sp. nov. can be distinguished by the styliger plate being medially cleft with a well-sclerotized ventrally-directed process at the posteromedial margin, while female imagos can be distinguished by the egg guide being well-developed, reaching sternum IX, and sternum IX about as long as wide, with a shallow apical cleft. Together with Miroculis (Miroculis) samba Costa, Almeida Salles and Miroculis (Miroculis) wolverine Costa, Almeida Salles, M. (M.) niltoi sp. nov. represents species within Miroculis with male imago exhibiting both extremely long penes and styliger plate. Now, Miroculis comprises 26 valid species, with 19 of them reported from Brazil.

Description of two related new species of Miroculis Edmunds, 1963(Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) from Brazil and Colombia.

Two new species of Miroculis Edmunds, 1963 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) are described, diagnosed and illustrated based on adults and/or nymphs collected in Brazil and Colombia. Both species share an uncommon genitalia morphology, which includes a long penis that is curved at base and a long styliger plate. In the case of the species from Brazil, which is also described based on nymphs, gills are devoid of the characteristic lateral lobes found in the other species of the genus.

Phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of the South American mayfly genus Brasilocaenis Puthz, 1975 (Insecta: Ephemeroptera: Caenidae)

Brasilocaenis Puthz, 1975 is a South American genus of Caenidae (Ephemeroptera). Except for their very distinct male genitalia, the species of this genus are morphologically similar to South American species of Caenis. We analysed the phylogenetic relationships among Brasilocaenis and related genera using morphological characters of both nymphs and adults and cladistic methods. This first phylogenetic analysis of Brasilocaenis was based on a matrix of 20 species, including six species of Brasilocaenis and 14 species of different genera (Alloretochus, Caenis, Clypeocaenis and Tasmanocaenis), and 35 characters analysed under implied weights (k = 3). The analysis supports the monophyly of Brasilocaenis with a single synapomorphy — forceps fused with the styliger plate. South American Caenis form a paraphyletic group, with Brasilocaenis nested among them. Biogeographical analysis (spatial analysis of vicariance) based on distributional records for each species revealed seven vicariant events, the most important of which are: (i) a north-south separation coincident with a split between the Amazon and Atlantic forests, and (ii) two west-east separations in tropical South America indicating different historical events. We additionally describe Brasilocaenis atawallpasp. n. from male imagos from Colombia, and suggest an amended diagnosis to include Brasilocaenis amacayacun. comb. and Brasilocaenis elidioin. comb.

New species of Thraulodes Ulmer, 1920 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae: Atalophlebiinae) from Northeastern Brazil.

Two new species of the genus Thraulodes Ulmer are described from the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest and Caatinga biomes from the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Thraulodes catoles sp. nov. is described based on the male imago and can be distinguished from all other congeners by possessing the forewings with three cross veins basal to bullae; a reddish band on the apex of the foreleg femora; styliger plate with digitiform dorsal extension and penes with an apicolateral "ear", long spines, lapel on inner margin and lateral pouch present. Thraulodes calori sp. nov. is described based on male and female imagos and can be diagnosed by the three weak cross veins basal to bullae on forewings; the apex of styliger plate rounded without medial projection with lateral margins acuminated; and the penes short, wide and without lateral pouch. The key to Thraulodes from Brazil was updated to include the new species described for the genus.

New species and new record of Thraulodes Ulmer, 1920 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae: Atalophlebiinae) from Brazil.

A new species of the mayfly genus Thraulodes is described based on specimens from the state of Roraima, Brazil. The male imago of Thraulodes rodrigoi sp. nov. is described and the new species can be easily recognized by: forewing with one weakly marked cross veins basal to bullae; femora of forelegs with an apical transversal band brown heavily marked and one submedian macula; styliger plate triangular with a medial rounded projection; and penes short and wide, without lateral pouch. Thraulodes sternimaculatus Lima, Mariano Pinheiro, 2013 is also reported for the first time in Piauí State.

Review of continental North and Central American Paracloeodes Day 1955 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae), including description of a new species from Minnesota, U.S.A.

Paracloeodes Day is a western hemisphere genus with 20 species, but only three of these valid species are known from continental North and Central America. Based on available literature comparisons, species-level identifications of these three species can be difficult. Considering the apparent similarity between them, the main objective of this study was to examine type and other material housed in the Purdue Entomological Research Collection and the University of Minnesota in order to evaluate species status and to elucidate additional diagnostic characters. The evaluation resulted in validation of P. fleeki McCafferty & Lenat, P. lugoi Randolph & McCafferty and P. minutus (Daggy) and the confirmation of P. abditus Day as a junior synonym of P. minutus. Furthermore, we discovered a new species from the type locality of P. minutus. Paracloedes lotor n. sp. is described based on the nymph stage and a putative male imago from the Mississippi River in Minnesota. Paracloeodes lotor n. sp. differs from the other continental North and Central American species of the genus by the apical half of the paraglossa having an abrupt decrease in width (the "subtriangular" condition) in nymphs, and by having the posterior margin of the styliger plate with a small and pointed spine in the male imago. We provide a new identification key for nymphs of the four continental North and Central American species.

A new species of Polyplocia Lestage from Malaysia with comments on the genus (Ephemeroptera, Euthyplociidae, Euthyplociinae).

Polyplocia nebulosa sp. nov. is described based on male and female imagos from Malaysia, Sabah State. Nymphs provisionally assigned to this species are also described. This species can be readily separated from P. vitalisi by the color pattern of the wings, with light brown longitudinal veins, narrow dark brown clouds on cross veins and margins of wings tinged with brown. The male genitalia are distinct from those of other species of Polyplocia: penes are broad, T-shaped, with large lateral projecting lobes, which are apically rounded, and with a small dorsolateral spine on each lobe; the styliger plate is short and not projected posteriorly. Eggs of the genus are described for the first time using scanning electron microscopy. Eggs are 265-267 µm in length, 170-186 µm in width, barrel-shaped, without polar caps or other attachment structures, with one visible micropyle and with chorion forming an irregular mesh with raised ridges (mesh between 3.8-8 µm). A key to male adults of Polyplocia is provided and additional records of Polyplocia from Thailand are given.

The imagos of some enigmatic members of the Hermanella complex (Ephemeroptera, Leptophlebiidae).

The imago stages of three species of the Hermanella complex are described mostly based on material from Roraima, northern Brazil: Hydrosmilodon gilliesae, Hydromastodon sallesi and Leentvaaria palpalis. Male imagos of Hydrosmilodon gilliesae and Leentvaaria palpalis both have a pair of large, broad projections at the posterior margin of the styliger plate, nearly covering the penis lobes; in Leentvaaria palpalis, however, these projections are fused. The male imago of Hydromastodon sallesi resembles Hydrosmilodon plagatus in that both species have a styliger plate with a robust projection that is curved towards the penis lobes. DNA barcoding is likely to be a powerful investigative tool for identifying and understanding species limits among these Ephemeroptera taxa, especially if it is used within an integrative taxonomic context. An updated identification key to the genera of the Hermanella complex is proposed.

Oligoneuria (Yawari) anatina sp. nov. (Ephemeroptera: Oligoneuriidae) from the extreme north of Brazil

Oligoneuria (Yawari) anatina sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on nymphs and imagoes collected in the municipality of Serra do Navio, state of Amapá, Brazil. The main characteristics that can be used to distinguish the new species from other species of the genus are, in imagoes: 1) forewing with spectral cross veins between IRS and MP2 (male) or between IRS and IMP (female), 2) posterior margin of styliger plate distally rounded and with paired rounded projections; in nymphs: 1) vertex of head with two pairs of tubercles, 2) lateral margin of anterior projection of head straight. Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences were used to associate male imago and immature stages of the new species.

A new species of Caenis Stephens, 1836 (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae)from Southern Brazil.

A new species of the genus Caenis Stephens is described based on the male imago, female imago and egg stages from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The male imago of Caenis gaucha sp. nov. is diagnosed as follows: body length of male 2.0-2.5 mm; base of antennal flagellum not dilated; forceps apically rounded, not fused to lateral margins of styliger plate; styliger plate short with posterior margin slightly sub-triangular; ratio of foreleg 1.7-2.2 × the length of hind leg, forceps length 4.4-6.0 × the width ½ from base, and distance between the extreme lateral points of the forceps bases 1.7-1.8 × forceps length.

Two new species of Thraulodes Ulmer, 1920 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae: Atalophlebiinae) from Southeast Brazil.

Two new species of Thraulodes Ulmer, 1920 are described from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, based on male and female imagos. Thraulodes luisae sp. nov. differs from all other species of the genus by the short and wide penes spines, turning up to apex; triangular shape of styliger plate with median projection abrupt and short with rounded apex; abdominal and legs color pattern; and presence of 2-3 weakly marked cross veins basal to bullae. Thraulodes pinga sp. nov. differs from all other species of the genus by the wide shape of styliger plate with median projection short with wide base and truncated apex; abdominal and legs color pattern; and presence of 1 weakly marked cross vein basal to bullae.

<i>Thraulodes bonito</i> sp. nov. (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) from Rio de Janeiro State, Southeastern Brazil

A new species of Thraulodes Ulmer, 1920 is described from Rio de Janeiro. The species resembles the recently published Thraulodespelicanus Mariano and Froehlich, 2011 (in Mariano et al. 2011) due to the length and width of the penes. However, Thraulodes bonito sp. nov. differs from this and all other species of the genus by the wide penes, the triangular shape of the styliger plate with median projection short and apex rounded, the abdominal color pattern and the presence of 1-3 weakly marked cross veins basal to bullae. The new species is described based on male imagos, female subimagos and nymphs.

The adult stage of Languidipes corporaali (Lestage, 1922), new status and the validity of Povilla (Navás) (Ephemeroptera: Polymitarcyidae: Asthenopodinae)

The male imago of Languidipes corporaali (Lestage, 1922), new status (Ephemeroptera: Polymitarcyidae: Asthenopodinae), is described for the first time based upon adults associated with females. The male is distinguished from Povilla by the large eyes, short tarsi of forelegs, absence of a styliger plate and a triangular basal cell at the fork of CuA-CuP in the forewing. Based on examination of series of females of Povilla from localities in Africa and Asia, an apparent third intercalary in the Cu field of Povilla females is a not infrequent population variation in the genus. Following examination of the holotype photograph of Povilla adusta, the present generic concept of Povilla is considered valid. New records for Languidipes corporaali include Malaysia and Thailand.

New species of Leptohyphidae (Ephemeroptera) from northeastern Brazil

Two new species of Leptohyphidae are described based on nymphs and adults: Traverhyphes (Traverhyphes) frevo sp. nov. and Tricorythopsis spongicola sp. nov. Traverhyphes (T.) frevo can be distinguished from other species, among other characteristics, by the presence of curved penile spines inserted laterally, and posterolateral projections of styliger plate very short and pointed distally in lateral view. Tricorythopsis spongicola can be distinguished from the others species, mainly by the presence of spine-like lateral projections present on apical part of penes in the male imago, and by the tarsal claws with four to five marginal denticles, and two rows of 2 + 3 submarginal denticles with apical setae in the nymphs.

A new species of Paramaka Savage & Domínguez, 1992 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae: Atalophlebiinae) from Brazil

A new species of Paramaka is described based on nymphs and male imagos from State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The imago of Paramaka pearljam sp. n. can be easily separated from the other species of the genus by the presence of a conspicuous and large median projection with apex curved ventrally on styliger plate; and in nymph by the gills not ended in a thin apical process and tarsal claw without accessory denticles. A new key is proposed and new geographic records for the genus are reported.

Two-winged Leptophlebiidae (Ephemeroptera) from Brazil: new species, records and stage description

In the present paper, based on material from Brazil, we present a contribution to the taxonomy of the Neotropical two-winged Leptophlebiidae. The male imago of Perissophlebiodes Savage is described, in addition to a new species of Askola Peters from Amazonas. Askola emmerichi Domínguez, Molineri and Mariano, so far recorded from Venezuela, is reported from Brazil and compared to the new species herein described. Askola yanoman, sp. nov. can be separated from other species of the genus by the following combination of characters: (1) general colouration yellowish brown with areas washed with greyish brown; (2) dorsal portion of eyes brown, eyes meet on meson of head; (3) penis yellowish brown with darker margin, extending beyond the posterior margin of the styliger plate.