Protosialis ranchograndis, a new species of alderfly from Venezuela, with a redescription of P. brasiliensis navas (Megaloptera: Sialidae)

2006·4.7 MB·

by  Atilano Contreras-Ramos

PROC. ENTOMOL. SOC. WASH.
108(4), 2006, pp. 977-984
PROTOSIALIS RANCHOGRANDIS, A NEW SPECIES OF ALDERFLY FROM
VENEZUELA, WITH A REDESCRIPTION OF P. BRASILIENSIS NAVAS
(MEGALOPTERA: SIALIDAE)
ATILANO CONTRERAS-RAMOS
Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, Universidad AutOnoma del Estado de
Hidalgo, Apdo. Postal 1-69, Plaza Juarez, Pachuca, Hidalgo 42001, Mexico (e-mail:
[email protected])
Abstract.4The Neotropical fauna of Sialidae (Megaloptera) contains nine
previously described species. In this paper, Protosialis ranchograndis, a new species
from Aragua, northern Venezuela, 1s described and illustrated. Male genitalia of the
new species are distinct, in particular because of a divided tenth sternite which
appears as a double plate in caudal view. Also, P. brasiliensis Navas, 1936, is
redescribed and illustrated based on the deteriorated holotype. Terminology and
homologies of male genitalia in Sialidae, as well as the taxonomic status of the genus
Protosialis Weele, are briefly discussed.
Resumen.4La fauna neotropical de Sialidae (Megaloptera) contiene nueve
especies previamente descritas. En este articulo se describe e ilustra a Protosialis
ranchograndis, una especie nueva de Aragua, norte de Venezuela. La morfologia
genital del macho es distintiva, en particular por su décimo esternito dividido, el cual
se observa como una doble placa en vista caudal. También, se redescribe e ilustra el
deteriorado holotipo de P. brasiliensis Navas. La terminologia y las homologias de
genitalia en machos de Sialidae, asi como el estatus taxonomico del género
Protosialis Weele, son discutidos brevemente.
Key Words: Neuropterida, Neotropics, Aragua, Rancho Grande, Brazil, taxonomy
Neotropical alderflies (Megaloptera: Gradually, as more sialid material from
Sialidae) have been a largely neglected the Neotropics becomes available for
group at least for two reasons, their study, the diversity of this group in the
rarity, which includes both a low species Neotropics will become better under-
diversity and a scarcity of specimens in stood. For example, of the nine described
collections, and difficulties associated species of Neotropical Sialidae (Con-
with studying type material. During treras-Ramos 1999, Contreras-Ramos et
a visit in 1999 to the Museo del Instituto al. 2005), specimens of Protosialis bifas-
de Zoologia Agricola <Francisco Fer- ciata (Hagen), P. brasiliensis Navas, P.
nandez Yépez= (MIZA) of the Universi- chilensis (MacLachlan), P. flammata
dad Central de Venezuela, Maracay, Penny, P. hauseri Contreras, Fiorentin,
several undescribed species of Megalop- and Urakami, and P. mexicana (Banks)
tera were found (Contreras-Ramos are clearly distinct and represent valid
2002), including the one treated here. species. However, the original descrip-
978 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON
tion of P. flavicollis (Enderlein) from Protosialis mexicana, P. bifasciata, and
Colombia lists some characters (Ender- P. chilensis, based on _ several color,
lein 1910) that do not correspond with shape, and venational characters (Ta-
the specimens I studied (e.g., body and ble 2), a view that was supported by
antennae black, yellowish pronotum, Penny (1981). Whiting (1994) questioned
and modified tarsal claws). Protosialis most of these characters, and he further
bimaculata Banks, from Bolivia, 1s sim- proposed a couple of male genitalic
ilar to P. mexicana, black with yellowish structures which might help delimit
head and prothorax (Banks 1920), and Protosialis. However, a final decision
P. nubila Navas, from Brazil, is also on whether this is a valid genus or
similar to P. mexicana, being <nigra= a junior synonym of Sialis must await
(Navas 1933), including antennae. As the a genus level revision of the Sialidae.
color pattern of the Venezuelan species
is rather uniformly reddish brown, and Protosialis ranchograndis
because of an observed limited distribu- Contreras-Ramos, new species
tional range in most Neotropical alder-
(Figs: 1; 2:6; 7, 9 iets)
flies, there is sufficient confidence to
Diagnosis.4This species (Fig. 6) may
warrant describing a new species.
be distinguished from all other Neotrop-
The holotype of Protosialis brasiliensis
ical alderflies by its uniform orange-
is in a deteriorated condition, and the
brown head (Figs. 1, 7). The pronotum
original description was not thorough.
Because of these constraints, I redescribe is also uniformly colored but with
this species in this paper. a darker tone. The coloration of this
Specimen dissection followed standard species contrasts with species such as
Protosialis bifasciata, P. mexicana, and
techniques (e.g., Contreras-Ramos 1998).
Venational terminology follows Glorioso P. flammata, all of which clearly have
(1981). However, for the genitalic termi- a patterned head. The male genitalia are
nology of Sialidae, different authors such distinct with the tenth sternite modified
as Ross (1937) and Whiting (1994) each as a sclerotized double plate that is
have used different names for the same generally fusiform shaped in caudal view
structures, which are also different from (Fig. 11). The tenth tergites are short and
the ones used for Corydalinae. Here widely separated. An eversible sac 1s
(Table 1), a unified terminology based evident between the ninth and tenth
on Glorioso (1981) and Contreras-Ra- sternites, which is pinnaculate, that is,
mos (1998; cf. table 2, p. 21) is attempted it has a conspicuous concentration of
assuming that Corydalinae represents the thorny setae (Figs. 11412). Larvae of this
generalized condition within Megalop- species have been collected but remain
tera (Contreras-Ramos 2004). All type undescribed.
material of the new species is deposited Description of adult.4Forewing length,
at MIZA, while the holotype of Proto- S 8.4-10.4 mm (average 9.6 mm, n =
sialis brasiliensis belongs to the Museu de 4), 2 12.0-13.4 mm (average 12.7 mm,
Zoologia da Universidade de Sao Paulo n = 2). Overall color pale orange brown,
(MZSP), Ipiranga, Brazil. wings slightly darker. Head orange
brown, including labrum and clypeus,
Genus Protosialis Weele 1909
pilose; antenna brown, scape slightly
The taxonomic validity of this genus is paler, pilose, 35-segmented; head ven-
uncertain. Weele (1909, 1910) proposed trally pale yellowish brown, mandi-
the genus to include Sialis americana bles reduced, and concealed beneath
(Rambur), the type species, as well as labrum, maxillary and labial _ palps
VOLUME 108, NUMBER 4 979
Mablerle A proposed unified terminology for male genitalia of Megaloptera with emphasis on Sialidae
(based on several authors and synthesized in Contreras-Ramos 1998, Table 2).
Ross (1937) Whiting (1994) Proposed Terminology
Lateral plates Parameres Ninth gonostyli!
Terminal plate Ectoprocts Tenth tergites2
Genital plate, with Gonarcus, with mediunci Tenth sternite, with tenth sternite
genital hooks (mediuncus in singular) lobes3
| Appendages variously reduced in Sialidae, often appearing as plates.
2 Appendages variously reduced in Sialidae, some times also fused as a single structure.
3 This sclerotized plate may have more or less complex processes arising from it, which may be
evolutionary novelties or perhaps correspond to the membranous lobes in Corydalinae.
brown, and 4- and 3-segmented, respec- brown; 5-segmented tarsi darker brown,
tively. tarsal claws brown with basal tooth
Pronotum orange brown with margins conical, blunt. Forewing (Figs. 2, 9) dull
darker, covered with fine and _ short reddish brown, semitranslucent, and
golden setae. Legs rather uniformly pale elongate-elliptical, costal area not en-
ables? A non-critical comparison between the genera Sialis Latreille and Protosialis Weele as has
been proposed by several authors (modified from Weele 1910, Penny 1981, and Whiting 1994).
Attribute Sialis Protosialis
Distribution Holarctic Neotropical
Diversity 24 described spp. 9 described spp.
Overall shape Body stout, wings broad and short Body and wings rather slender
Overall color Body black, only some yellow Body black with orange!
streaks on occiput
Antennae Simple, moniliform in both sexes Thickly pilose in male, hairless in
female
Wings Pale brown membrane, thick Dark membrane, thin (not so
(elevated and very distinct) distinct) nervature
nervature
Wing venation Costal area dilated before middle; Costal area not enlarged before
costal crossveins vertical; Sc and middle; costal crossveins oblique;
R strongly divergent in middle; Sc and R nearly parallel; 2nd
2nd branch of Rs (R3) forked in branch of Rs (R3) simple in both
both wings wings2
Male genitalia, general Rather specialized (e.g., more More primitive (e.g., not as reduced,
condition reductions, fusions, and complex neither fused, and with simpler
shapes) shapes)
Male genitalia, eversible Absent3 Present
sac between 9th and
10th sternites
Male genitalia, Simple, smooth+ Pinnaculate (with thorny setae)
membranous region
between 9th and 10th
sternites
! Orange color mostly on head and pronotum.
2 Except in P. brasiliensis, P. flammata, P. nubila, and P. ranchograndis.
3 Present in S. nevadensis Davis.
4 Except in S. nevadensis, in which it is pinnaculate.
980 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON
Pyotesialis |
bV AS Kensss
Rats et. Navas S.J.
S} sko PAULO
(2 Yeitan ga
Luederwdt.
Figs. 1-5. Protosialis spp. 1, P. ranchograndis, head and pronotum. 2, Same, left forewing. 3, P.
brasiliensis, head and pronotum. 4, Same, left forewing. 5, Same, specimen labels.
larged, with 9-11 crossveins, those dis- tenth tergites conspicuous, lobe-shaped,
tally more oblique and less well-defined; separated (Figs. 11, 13); tenth sternite as
three crossveins between R, and Rs, the an ovoid double plate in caudal view,
latter with two branches, both forked; upper and lower halves of the plate
four r-m crossveins. terminally square-shaped (Fig. 11), up-
Male genitalia (Figs. 11-13): Ninth per half of plate shaped as a bird head in
tergum short, well-sclerotized (Fig. 12); lateral view (Fig. 12); eversible mem-
VOLUME 108, NUMBER 4 981
aa s ae
8R R ow1
ie erie
Figs. 6-10. Protosialis spp. 6, P. ranchograndis, habitus. 7, Same, head and pronotum. 8, P.
brasiliensis, head and pronotum. 9, P. ranchograndis, left forewing. 10, P. brasiliensis, left forewing.
982 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON
brane between tenth and ninth sternites dark brown, including the occipital,
conspicuous, bearing an area of densely frontal, clypeal, and labral areas, as well
concentrated sclerotized setae (Fig. 11); as the antennal scape and _ pedicel;
ninth gonostyli lobe-shaped, 4 setose; however, it gradually becomes pale
ninth sternum elongate-ovoid. yellowish brown on both sides behind
Female genitalia (Figs. 14-15): Sev- the eyes (Figs. 3, 8). The yellowish-
enth abdominal sternum moderately brown color continues towards the front,
sclerotized, especially on a median narrowly around the eyes, and then
bump, distally (Fig. 14); eighth sternum towards the ventral side of the head,
distinctive, with a sclerotized and broad- which is also pale brown. The genal area
ly bilobed plate (Fig. 14), which is is brown, while the pronotum is darker
obscured by the base of the ovipositor than the head. Both head and pronotum
and remainder of ninth segment are pilose. Navas (1936) did not specify
(Fig. 15). the sex of the specimen, and provided the
Material examined.4Holotype ¢: VE- following measurements: body length
7mm, forewing length 10 mm (slightly
NEZUELA. Aragua: Rancho Grande,
larger than my measurement), and
1,100 m, 31.v.1994, M. Gaiani [at light,
hind wing length 9 mm. Because of the
in alcohol, genitalia in glycerin] (MIZA).
small size, the specimen is_ probably
Paratypes.4VENEZUELA. [No col-
a male.
lecting data, probably from Rancho
Description of adult.4Forewing length,
Grande], | ¢; Aragua: Rancho Grande,
[probably 2] 9.5 mm. Overall color dark
1100 me 2S x1 [19/495 Eo Permandez Y., |
brown, wings slightly paler. Head
dp same but avy. 1977.1, J. Joly i, i 2:
(Figs. 3, 8) dark brown, particularly
same but 24.v.1984, F. Fernandez Y., J.
occiput, frons, clypeus, and labrum,
Clavijo, 1 ¢, luz de mercurio; same but
pilose; head laterally behind eyes grad-
19.v.[19]89, M. Gaiani, J. Manzanilla, 1
ually becoming paler, also narrowly
2 (MIZA).
around eyes; scape and pedicel dark
Etymology.4The name of the new
brown; head ventrally pale yellowish
species refers to the classic locality
brown. Mandible brown, distally yellow-
Rancho Grande (Estacién Bioldgica de
ish, mostly concealed beneath labrum;
Rancho Grande), close to Maracay,
maxilla, including 4-segmented palp
within Parque Nacional Henri Pittier,
dark brown; labial palp dark brown, 3-
on the Coast Cordillera, an area in-
segmented.
tensively studied by the entomological
Pronotum dark brown, darker than
staff of MIZA.
head, pilose. Legs uniformly brown, 5-
segmented tarsi darker, tarsal claws
Protosialis brasiliensis Navas 1936
brown with basal tooth small, blunt.
(Figs. 345, 8, 10)
Forewing (Figs. 4, 10) dull reddish
Diagnosis.4Because of the deteriorat- brown, semitranslucent, elongate-ellipti-
ed condition of the holotype this species cal; costal area not enlarged, with 8
can not be diagnosed on the basis of crossveins, oblique, those distally less
genitalia. The specimen is missing anten- well-defined; three crossveins between R,
nae, abdomen, both right wings and the and Rs, the latter with two branches,
left hindwing, as well as the left midleg, both forked; four r-m crossveins.
tarsi of the right midleg, and both Material examined (Fig. 5).4Holo-
hindlegs. However, the remainder of the type [sex unknown]. BRAZIL. Sao
specimen can be differentiated by its Paulo: Ypiranga, 09.x1.[19]09, Lueder-
color pattern. The head color is mostly waldt.
VOLUME 108, NUMBER 4 983
10th tergit. e tergg um t1e0rtghi te
10th
v sternite
10th :
sternite
ats eversible
sac
gonostylus We
eversible i 9th
sae 4~ sternum
11 We?
10th
tergite
7 1 }
CCI WL Ae
f I owntestens
ovipositor
15
Figs. 11-15. Protosialis ranchograndis. 11, Male genitalia, caudal, reversible sac is retracted but
sclerotized setae visible. 12, Same, lateral. 13, Same, dorsal. 14, Female genitalia, ventral. 15, Same, lateral.
984 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 444. 1999. List of species of Neotropical
Megaloptera. Proceedings of the Entomologi-
I thank once again the hospitality of
cal Society of Washington 101: 274-284.
MIZA entomological staff during the . 2002. Six new species of dobsonflies from
1999 trip to Venezuela, in particular Venezuela (Megaloptera: Corydalidae: Cory-
Marco A. Gaiani. Also special thanks dalinae). Aquatic Insects 24: 55475.
to Jirg DeMarmels, who kindly trans- . 2004. Is the family Corydalidae (Neurop-
terida, Megaloptera) a monophylum? Denisia
lated the paper by Enderlein from
13: 135-140.
German into Spanish. Financial support
Contreras-Ramos, A., G. L. Fiorentin, and Y.
from the Mini-PEET Program (2003) of Urakami. 2005. A new species of alderfly
the Society of Systematic Biologists for (Megaloptera: Sialidae) from Rio Grande do
a trip to the National Museum of Sul, Brazil. Amazoniana 18: 2674272.
Natural History, Smithsonian Institu- Enderlein, G. 1910. Eine neue Sia/is aus Colum-
bien. Stettiner Entomologische Zeitung 1910:
tion, from where comparative material
380-381.
has been studied, as well as from SEP-
Glorioso, M. J. 1981. Systematics of the dobsonfly
PROMEP (Mexico), through the project subfamily Corydalinae (Megaloptera: Coryda-
<Sistematica y Taxonomia de Neurop- lidae). Systematic Entomology 6: 253-290.
tera y Tipulidae (Diptera): 200242003,= Navas, L. 1933. Décadas de insectos nuevos.
is gratefully acknowledged. The kindness Broteria 2: 33-44, 101-110.
4444. 1936. Insectos del Brasil (Sa. serie). Revista
of Ollie Flint and the late Nancy Adams
do Museu Paulista 20: 722-734.
during the visit to the Smithsonian
Penny, N. D. 1981. Neuroptera of the Amazon
Institution is highly acknowledged. Basin. Part 4, Sialidae. Acta Amazonica 11:
Thorough editorial reviews of the man- 843-846.
uscript by David E. Bowles and an Ross, H. H. 1937. Studies of Nearctic aquatic
anonymous referee are much appreciat- insects, I. Nearctic alder flies of the genus
Sialis (Megaloptera, Sialidae). Illinois Natural
ed. Finally, the artistic work from Jorge
History Survey Bulletin 21: 57478.
Alberto Gonzalez Martinez is greatly
Weele, H. W., van der. 1909. New genera and
valued. species of Megaloptera Latr. Notes from the
Leyden Museum 30: 249-253.
LITERATURE CITED
. 1910. Megaloptera (Latreille), monogra-
Banks, N. 1920. New neuropteroid insects. Bulletin phic revision, pp. 1-93 + 4 pls. Jn Collec-
of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, tions Zoologiques du Baron Edm. de Selys
Harvard University 64: 299-362. Longchapms Fasc. V (Premiere partie), Brux-
Contreras-Ramos, A. 1998. Systematics of the elles.
dobsonfly genus Corydalus (Megaloptera: Cor- Whiting, M. F. 1994. Cladistic analysis of the
ydalidae). Thomas Say Publications in Ento- alderflies of America north of Mexico (Mega-
mology, Monograph 16, Entomological Soci- loptera: Sialidae). Systematic Entomology 19:
ety of America, Lanham, Maryland, 360 pp. 77-91.