Males closely resemble those of O. (T.) tiwaka sp. n. and O. (T.) perignonica sp. n. in having abdominal segment IX subquadrate in ventral view, with the apico-ventral margin truncate but both those species have recognisable gonopods, albeit strongly reduced, whereas as in O. (T.) arok, O. (T.) amieu and O. (T.) spinifera gonopods are so severely reduced that no gonopods can be identified. The rods of ventral processes of O. (T.) spinifera are slender and spiny, rather sharper than in O. (T.) tiwaka sp. n. but in both species the rods are almost parallel whereas in O. (T.) perignonica sp. n. they are sharply pointed and convergent.

Male antennae with 23–25 flagellomeres, flagellomeres rectangular in profile, without sensilla placodea, terminal 3 flagellomeres pale, rest dark; anterior wing length 1.3–1.5 mm (n=8); tibial spurs 0,3,4. Female antennae with 18 flagellomeres, flagellomeres all dark; anterior wing length 1.3–1.6 mm (n=4); tibial spurs 0,3,4. Abdominal sternite VII with sharp median spur.

Male, genitalia (Figs 1–3). Abdominal segment VIII in ventral view: width exceeds length; margins concave proximally and distally. Abdominal sternite IX: truncate distally. Gonopods reduced, not recognisable on apical margin. Rods of subgenital processes widely separated, parallel, in form of sharp spines. Phallic apparatus elongate, with slender titillator, and subapical narrow sinuous spine.

Figures 1–12. 

Oxyethira species male genitalia. 1–3 O. spinifera sp. n., ventral and lateral views, and phallic apparatus 4–6 O. tiwaka sp. n., ventral view, phallic apparatus and lateral view 7–9 O. perignonica sp. n., ventral view, phallic apparatus and lateral view 10–12 O. abbreviata sp. n., ventral view, phallic apparatus and lateral view. Abbreviations: gon = gonopod; r sp = rod of subgenital process; st lb = setose lobe of subgenital process; VIII, IX = abdominal segments VIII and IX.

Holotype. Male (on slide), New Caledonia, small fall ~10 km SW Houailou on Houailou-Bourail road, 26.xii.1998, leg. A. Wells (MNHP).

Paratypes. 2 males (on slides), small stream ~15 km SW Houailou on Houailou–Bourail road, 26.xii.1998, leg. A. Wells (ANIC); 1 male (on slide), stream, ~20 km SW Thio on Boulouparis–Thio road, 28.xii.1998, leg. A. Wells (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, Monts Kwa Ne Mwa, on road between Noumea and Yaté, 2.0 km E Pic Mouirange, 22°12.356'S, 166°40.798'E, 220 m, 7–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#014, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 15 males, Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco, Stream, at Camp Jacob, 3.7 km WNW summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis–Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°43.613'S, 166°06.567'E, 150 m, 29.xi–12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#054, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 24 males, 13 females (3 on slides), Province Nord, Wemwâdiu stream, 850 m E summit Kögi Mtn, 5 m upstream road, about 200 m S Tiwaka River, 20°49.020'S, 165°14.165'E, 24 m, 6–27.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#067, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

12 males, 6 females, Province Sud, Sarraméa, 2907 m, stony forest stream, loc 13, 21°37.097'S 165°49.351'E, Malaise trap, 18–21.xi.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund (NHRS); 1 male, 1 female, Province Sud, Sarraméa, 220 m, forest stream, loc 10, 21°37.883'S 165°51.958'E, Malaise trap, 18–21.xi.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund (NHRS); 5 males, 4 females, Province Sud, Monts des Koghis, ca 300 m S Koghi Restaurant, 22.18288°S, 166.50167°E, 417 m, 2–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#004, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 18 males, 10 females, Province Sud, Monts des Koghis, ca 800 m S Koghi Restaurant, 22.18311°S, 166.50564°E, 460 m, 10–26.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#019, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); males, females, Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco Stream, 3.9 km W summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis–Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°44.359'S, 166°06.009'E, 117 m, 20.xi–12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#035, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

Name spinifera is descriptive of the sharp spines of the subgenital processes.

This species appears to be quite widespread from the far south towards the north of the island (Fig. 86).

Readily recognised by the short, blunt, darkly sclerotised peg-like gonopods but in other respects showing very close resemblance to O. (T.) spinifera which has gonopods reduced so severely that they can be recognised as only small convexities on the apico-ventral margin of segment IX. Also similar to O. (T.) perignonica sp. n. in having abdominal segment IX subquadrate, but that species has the gonopods situated laterally, and curved mesally, and the subgenital processes in the form of convergent, rather than parallel, spines.

Male antennae with 18–19 flagellomeres, flagellomeres all dark, without sensilla placodea, each flagellomere about as long as wide; anterior wing length 1.4–1.7 mm (n=8); tibial spurs 0,3,4; abdominal sternite VII with small sharp median spur.

Male, genitalia (Figs 4–6). Abdominal segment IX quadrate in ventral view, slightly concave apico-ventrally, dorsally with proximal margin excised, V-shaped. Gonopods in form of two widely spaced, blunt black pegs. Setose lobes of ventral process angled laterally, ventral processes elongate, widely separated, tapered to narrowly rounded apices. Phallic apparatus elongate, with slender titillator and apically narrow, sinuous spine.

Holotype. Male, (on slide), New Caledonia, Province Nord, Bouérabate Stream, S Mont Ninndo, along road Barabache–Boulagoma, 20°17.409'S, 164°11.242'E, 60 m, 19.xii.2003–7.i.2004, Malaise trap, loc#089, leg. K.A. Johanson (MNHP).

Paratypes. 1 male (on slide), data as for holotype, (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud., Rivière Bleue, 282 m, stony river, loc 4, 22°05.705'S, 166°38.225'E, Malaise trap, 13–16.xi.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape, B. Viklund (NHRS); 18 males, 11 females (3 on slides), Province Sud, Col d’Amieu, fauna reserve, 415 m, small forest stream, loc 25, 21°33.830'S, 165°45.584'E, Malaise trap, 30.xi–5.xii.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape, B. Viklund (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, Monts Kwa Ne Mwa, on road between Noumea and Yaté, Rivière des Pirogues, 22°11.225'S, 166°43.338'E, 100 m, 7.xi.2003, light trap, loc#016, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, downstream crosspoint to mountain track, 22°01.997'S, 166°28.486'E, 795 m, over about 30 m waterfall, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#031, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 2 male, 4 females, Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco Stream, at Camp Jacob, 3.9 km W summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis—Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°44.083'S, 166°06.298'E, 117 m, 29.xi.2003–12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#053, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 10 males, Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco, Stream, at Camp Jacob, 3.7 km WNW summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis–Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°43.613'S, 166°06.567'E, 150 m, 29.xi–12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#054, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male (on slide), Province Nord, Wemwâdiu stream, 850 m E summit Kögi Mtn, 5 m upstream road, about 200 m S Tiwaka River, 20°49.020'S, 165°14.165'E, 24 m, 6–27.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#067, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male (no genitalia) labelled “sp. D”, Province Sud, Co Rigule Stream, 2.1 km N bridge over Baie de Yaté, 4.3 km S Wé Ngéré, 22°08.147'S, 166° 56.072'E, 14 m, 18.i.2004, light trap, loc#122, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

Named for the river beside which one of the specimens was collected.

Oxyethira tiwaka was collected quite commonly in the southern region, but at only two disjunct localities in the north (Fig. 87). A photograph of the type locality with the trap is rendered in Fig. 75.

Male is distinguished from O. incurvata sp. n. which also has the gonopods situated laterally and mesally directed although in O. perignonica they are more spur-like, and the rods of the ventral processes are sharply pointed and convergent.

Male antennae with 17–18 flagellomeres, flagellomeres without sensilla placodea, each flagellomere about 1.5 X longer than wide; anterior wing length 1.4–1.7 mm (n=2); tibial spurs 0,2,4; abdominal sternite VII without median spur.

Male, genitalia (Figs 7–9). Abdominal segment IX in ventral view subquadrate, distally truncate with a small tuft of short setae each side of midline. Gonopods in ventral view forming a short, stout, mesally directed spur at each apico-lateral angle; setose lobes and rods of subgenital processes widely separated at bases, rods obliquely arranged, apically convergent; in lateral view, rods sharply down-turned. Phallic apparatus elongate, almost length of segments VII–IX, with a fine titillator and, subapically, a slender spine which in some specimens lies parallel to the length of the phallic apparatus, in others is twisted about it orthogonally.

Holotype. Male (on slide), New Caledonia, Province Sud, stream draining to Marais de la Rivière Blanche, 5 km SW Pont Pérignon, 22°09.513'S, 166°39.942'E, 180 m, 6–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#011, leg. K.A. Johanson (MNHP).

Paratypes. 2 males (1 on slide), Province Sud, W part of Plaine des lacs, 150 m downstream bridge at La Capture, 22°15.967'S, 166°49.493'E, 261 m, 04–22.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#007, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, stream draining to Marais de la Rivière Blanche, 1.35 km S Pont Pérignon, 22°08.496'S, 166°42.152'E, 180 m, 6–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#009, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 2 males, Province Sud, stream draining to Marais de la Rivière Blanche, 2.25 km SW Pont Pérignon, 22.14158°S, 166.67993°E, 157 m, 6–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#010, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 2 males (one headless), same data as for holotype, (NHRS); 1 male (on slide), Province Sud, Monts Kwa Ne Mwa, on road between Noumea and Yaté, 1.5 km E Pic Mouirange, 22°12.545'S, 166°40.246'E, 143 m, 9.xi.2003, light trap, loc#018, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

Named for the bridge on the river near where the holotype was collected.

Taken only at several sites in the south of the island (Fig. 88), this species appears to have a highly localised distribution. A photograph of the type locality with the trap is rendered in Fig. 76.

Most closely similar to O. perignonica and O. tiwaka, all 3 having males with abdominal segment IX quadrate in ventral view. But O. abbreviata sp. n. is distinguished by having the ventral processes distally rounded and with a short sharp spine angled proximally compared with elongate convergent spines of O. perignonica, and elongate parallel spines of O. tiwaka.

Male antennae with 18–19 flagellomeres, flagellomeres rectangular in profile, sensilla placodea absent; anterior wing length 1.4–1.7 mm (n=4); tibial spurs 0,3,4; abdominal sternite VII with small sharp medial spine on distal margin.

Male, genitalia (Figs 10–12). Abdominal segment IX tubular, subquadrate in ventral view, distal margin truncate. Gonopods short, conical, widely separated, ventral processes also very short, rounded distally, in ventral view sharply pointed proximally, no setose lobes apparent. Phallic apparatus elongate, exceeding 3 abdominal segments in length, narrow; slender titillator present and subapically a tightly curved spine.

Holotype. Male (on slide), New Caledonia, Province Sud, Monts des Koghis, ca 800 m S Koghi Restaurant, 22.18447°S, 166.50315°E, 400 m, 11–26.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc. 23, leg. K.A. Johanson (MNHP).

Paratypes. 2 males, Province Nord, Mt Aoupinié, 354 m, stream, loc. 17, light trap, 24.xi.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, Col d’Amieu, 323 m, small stony river, loc. 24, 21°34.844'S, 165°49.677'E, Malaise trap, 30.xi–5.xii.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, at crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.218'S, 166°28.566'E, 797 m, 18.xi.2003, light trap, loc#032, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, Platou de Dogny, source of Dogny River, about 900 m SE summit of Platou de Dogny, 21.61917°S, 165.88072°E, 919 m, 25.xi–16.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#046, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

abbreviata, named for the very abbreviated male genital structures.

This species was collected from several quite central sites (Fig. 89) from small rocky streams. A photograph of the type locality with the trap is rendered in Fig. 77.

Males resemble superficially those of O. perignonica both having mesally directed, laterally situated gonopods, but in ventral view these are more slender than those of O. perignonica and the rods of the subgenital processes are aligned in parallel with the distal margins of sternite IX in contrast to O. perignonica in which the they form sharp spines angled obliquely.

Male antennae with 20–25 flagellomeres, flagellomeres with few sensilla placodea, each rectangular in profile and 1.5–2× longer than wide; anterior wing length 1.2–1.5 mm (n=8); tibial spurs 0,3,4; abdominal sternite VII without median spur.

Male, genitalia (Figs 13–15). Abdominal segments VIII and IX rounded proximally. Abdominal sternite IX truncate distally, small areas of short setae apically each side of midline. Gonopods forming two strongly in-curved sclerotised processes at apico-lateral angles, setose lobes and sclerotised rods of subgenital processes widely separated, rods tapered to narrowly rounded apices. Phallic apparatus elongate, a slender sinuous spine subapically.

Figures 13–22. 

Oxyethira species male genitalia. 13–15 O. incurvata sp. n., ventral view, phallic apparatus and lateral view. 16–18 O. caledoniensis Kelley: 16 ventral view of holotype specimen drawn from holotype 17, 18 ventral and later al views of variant form 19–22 O. arok Oláh & Johanson: 19 ventral view drawn from paratype specimen 20–22 ventral and lateral views and phallic apparatus of variant form. Abbreviations: gon = gonopod; r sp = rod of subgenital process; st lb = setose lobe of subgenital process; VIII, IX = abdominal segments VIII and IX.

Holotype. Male, New Caledonia, Province Nord, Mt Panié, 20.57306°S, 164.77139°E, 902 m, 9.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#075, leg. K.A. Johanson (MNHP).

Paratypes. 4 males (2 on slides), Province Sud., Rivière Bleue, 282 m, stony river, loc 4, 22°05.705'S, 166°38.225'E, Malaise trap, 13–16.xi.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund (NHRS); 5 males, Province Sud, stream draining to Marais de la Rivière Blanche, 1.35 km S Pont Pérignon, 22°08.496'S, 166°42.152'E, 180 m, 6–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#009, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 5 males, Province Sud, side stream to Rivière Blanche, 10.75 km SW Pont Pérignon, 22°10.073'S, 166°39.903'E, 180 m, 6–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#012, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.073'S, 166°28.460'E, 810 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#030, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 3 males (1 on slide), Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, downstream crosspoint to mountain track, 22°01.997'S, 166°28.486'E, 795 m, over about 30 m waterfall, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#031, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.439'S, 166°28.646'E, 805 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#029, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

The name incurvata is descriptive of the orientation of the gonopods.

From the collecting records the distribution of this species appears to be highly disjunct (Fig. 90), with records from the northern and southern extremes of the island. A photograph of the type locality with the trap is rendered in Fig. 78.

A typical member of subgenus Trichoglene, with males superficially difficult to distinguish from other closely similar species such as O. abbreviata, O. arok and O. spinifera. Neither O. arok nor O. spinifera sp. n. has recognisable gonopods whereas both O. caledoniensis and O. abbreviata sp. n. have widely separated, shallowly dome-shaped gonopods; O. abbreviata sp. n. has very short, sharply pointed subgenital processes that are directed anteriorly and abdominal segment IX quadrate in ventral view, compared with the rod-shaped dorsal processes of O. caledoniensis and sub-triangular to shield-shaped abdominal segment IX.

Antennae: male with 19–24 flagellomeres, all dark; flagellomeres rectangular in profile, without sensilla placodea; female with 15 flagellomeres. Anterior wing length: male 1.4–1.9 mm (n=12); female 1.4–1.7 mm (n= 8). Tibial spurs 0,3,4. Abdominal segment VII with mid-ventral sharp spine.

Holotype. Male, New Caledonia, Plum, (BPBM). Other material. 1 male, province Sud, Ouenghi River, Boulouparis, 19.xii.1983, AW (ANIC); 4 males, Province Sud., Rivière Bleue, 282 m, stony river, loc 4, 22°05.705'S, 166°38.225'E, Malaise trap, 13–16.xi.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund(NHRS); 4 males (on slides), Province Sud, stream draining to Marais de la Rivière Blanche, 1.35 km S Pont Pérignon, 22°08.496'S, 166°42.152'E, 180 m, 6–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#009, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 2 males, Province Sud, stream draining to Marais de la Rivière Blanche, 2.25 km SW Pont Pérignon, 22.14158°S, 166.67993°E, 157 m, 6–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#010, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 3 males (on slides), females, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.439'S, 166°28.646'E, 805 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#029, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 9 males, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.073'S, 166°28.460'E, 810 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#030, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 9 males, 8 females, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, downstream crosspoint to mountain track, 22°01.997'S, 166°28.486'E, 795 m, over about 30 m waterfall, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#031, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 2 males, Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco Stream, 3.9 km W summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis–Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°44.359'S, 166°06.009'E, 117 m, 20.xi–12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#035leg. K.A. Johanson (MNHN); 1 male, Province Sud, on road between Noumea and Yaté, 1.0 km NW Pont des Japonais, 22°11.427'S, 166°42.868'E, 113 m, 22.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#039, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS);10 males (5 on slides), Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco, Stream, at Camp Jacob, 3.7 km WNW summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis–Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°43.613'S, 166°06.567'E, 150 m, 29.xi–12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#054, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS, ANIC); 59 males, 15 females, Province Nord, Mt Panié, stream at camp, 20.58167°S, 164.76472°E, 1311 m, 9.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#073, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, Province Nord, Mt Panié, stream at camp, 20. 58139°S, 164.76444°E, 1310 m, 9.xii.2003–2.i.2004, Malaise trap, loc#074, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 23 males, 3 females, Province Nord, Mt Panié, 20.57306°S, 164.77139°E, 902 m, 9.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#075, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 3 males, Province Nord, stream in Creek de Bambou, 5 m N road RT7 Ouégoa–Koumac, 20°27.863'S, 164°19.784'E, 58 m, 19.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#087, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 4 males (2 on slides), Province Nord, Bouérabate Stream, S Mont Ninndo, along road Barabache–Boulagoma, 20°17.409'S, 164°11.242'E, 60 m, 19.xii.2003–7.i.2004, Malaise trap, loc#089, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 5 males, Province Nord, Forêt Plate, Ouendé River, at 2.5 km WNW summit of Katépouenda, 23.3 km E Pouembout, 21°07.490'S, 165°06.723'E, 470 m, 8–15.i.2004, Malaise trap, loc#112, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

Delineation of this species among the large collection before us proved difficult, with only a very few specimens conforming closely to the holotype. In describing the species, Kelley (1989) had access to only a single specimen, re-examination of which shows it to be as illustrated in Kelley’s fig. 56 (redrawn here from the type in Fig. 14), except that the subgenital processes are gently curved mesally, not slightly sinuous as figured by Kelley. A considerable number of specimens have been examined that agree in general features, but have abdominal segment IX either shorter but much the same shape as in the holotype male, or more elongate and rounded anteriorly; in some the spine on the phallic apparatus is longer and more strongly recurved and arising closer to the apex than in the type. This latter form is illustrated in Fig. 17 and was initially thought to be a separate species. However, following examination of further material of forms intermediate between O. caledoniensis sensu Kelley and this particular form, it is included tentatively as a variant form of O. caledoniensis together with all newly available specimens with the apico-ventral margin of abdominal segment IX truncate, sometimes with some slight marginal sclerotisation, the gonopods reduced to short domes, and abdominal segment IX sub-triangular to conical. Future studies may show reveal that these represent more than one species. Oxyethira caledoniensis is recorded from sites along the length of the island, but most commonly in the far south (Fig. 91). A photograph of one of the northern collecting sites is shown in Fig. 75, the type locality of O. tiwaka and O. ouenghi, and shared with a number of other Oxyethira species.

In general appearance of male genitalia O. arok is closest to O. caledoniensis but appears to have gonopods reduced completely, which feature it shares with O. amieu sp. n. and O. spinifera; however, O. arok has abdominal segment IX almost parallel-sided in distal half, rather than tapered as in O. amieu sp. n., and O. spinifera has the rods of subgenital processes tapered to acute apices compared with the blunt apices of O. arok.

Antennae: male with 20–21 flagellomeres; flagellomeres quadrate to slightly rectangular in profile; female with 17 flagellomeres, terminal 2 pale, rest dark. Anterior wing length: male 1.2–1.8 mm (n=10); female 1.4–1.6 mm (n =10). Tibial spurs 0,3,4. Abdominal sternite VII with small median spur offset from distal margin. Female with length of abdominal segment IX almost twice width, distal margin, with a sclerotised margin, mesally produced distally. Segment X stouter at base than apex, gradually tapered distally, truncate apically.

Paratype. 1 male, New Caledonia, Province Sud, Monts Kwa Ne Mwa, on road between Nouméa andYaté, 2.0 km E Pic Mouirange, 22°12.356'S, 166°40.798'E, 220 m, 16–30.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#014, leg. K.A. Johanson. Other material. 5 males, Province Nord, Mt Aoupinié, 354 m, stream, loc 17, light trap, 24.xi.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund (NHRS); 2 males, Province Sud, Monts des Koghis, ca 300 m S Koghi Restaurant, 22.18288°S, 166.50167°E, 417 m, 2–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#004, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 11 males, Province Sud, Monts Kwa Ne Mwa, on road between Noumea and Yaté, Rivière des Pirogues, 22°11.225'S, 166°43.338'E, 100 m, 7.xi.2003, light trap, loc#016, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males (5 on slides), females (5 on slides), Province Sud, Monts Kwa Ne Mwa, on road between Nouméa and Yaté, 2.0 km E Pic Mouirange, 22°12.356'S, 166°40.798'E, 220 m, 7–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#014, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 2 males, Province Nord, Aoupinié Mtn, Réserve spéciale de faune de l’Aoupinié, spring to side stream to Öröpömwati river, 21°09.032'S, 165°19.179'E, 441 m, 6–27.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#065, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

Specimens here identified as O. arok show some variability in proportions of abdominal segment IX and in male genital structures as apparent in Figures 17–19, but for the present these differences are considered insignificant.

Oxyethira arok has been collected from disjunct localities in the far south and central part of the island (Fig. 92).

Males are similar to O. arok and O. houailou sp. n. in the shape of abdominal segment IX, which in ventral view is strongly tapered and more or less triangular proximally, but both O. amieu sp. n. and O. houailou sp. n. also taper distally, while O. arok is more or less parallel-sided in distal half; in O. amieu sp. n. and O. arok gonopods are so reduced they cannot be identified clearly whereas in ventral view they are subquadrate in O. houailou sp. n.

Male antennae with 22 flagellomeres; flagellomeres rectangular in profile, without sensilla placodea; anterior wing length 1.4 mm (n=1); tibial spurs 0,3,4; abdominal sternite VII with a short slender apico-mesal spur.

Male, genitalia (Figs 23, 24). Abdominal segment IX in ventral view subtriangular in proximal half, with proximal margin broadly rounded, distally tapered to about half maximum width; in lateral view triangular; gonopods reduced completely, subgenital processes rod-like, tapered distally, setal lobes almost at right angles to length of body; phallic apparatus with slender titillator and narrow, elongate subapical spine.

Figures 23–34. 

Oxyethira species male genitalia. 23, 24 O. amieu sp. n., ventral and lateral views 25–27 O. houailu sp. n., ventral view, phallic apparatus and lateral view 28–30 O. insularis Kelley, ventral view, spine and setose lobe of left subgenital process and phallic apparatus 31–34 O. parinsularis sp. n., dorsal, ventral and lateral views and phallic apparatus. Abbreviations: gon = gonopod; r sp = rod of subgenital process; st lb = setose lobe of subgenital process; VIII, IX = abdominal segments VIII and IX.

Holotype. Male, New Caledonia, Chute, ~15 km N Col d’Amieu on La Foa–Canala Rd, xii.1998, A. Wells, (MNHP).

Named for the Col d’Amieu.

Known only from the type locality, a waterfall towards the top of the massif (Fig. 93).

Males of O. houailou sp. n. resemble those of O. amieu and O. arok, but are distinguished by having gonopods quadrate in ventral view and separated by mid-ventral V-shaped excision, by having mesally directed apices on ventral processes, and spine on the phallic apparatus subapical and short compared with longer spines of the other two species

Male antennae with 21–27 flagellomeres; flagellomeres subquadrate in profile, without sensilla placodea, but with dense sensilla auricillica; anterior wing length, male 1.4–1.9 mm (n=10); tibial spurs 0,3,4; abdominal sternite VII with a short sharp mesal spur.

Male, genitalia (Figs 25–27). Abdominal segment IX in ventral view subtriangular in proximal half, with proximal margin truncate to broadly rounded, distally tapered to about half maximum width at distal margin; in lateral view triangular. Subgenital processes in form of stout sclerotised rods, their apices blunt, and short setose lobes, in ventral view almost at right angles to length of body. Phallic apparatus elongate, slender, with fine titillator, and subapically a short curved spine. Abdominal tergite X only slightly longer than rods of ventral processes, membranous.

Female unknown.

Holotype. Male (on slide), New Caledonia, Province Nord, small fall ~10 km SW Houaïlou, on Bourail road, 16.xii.1998, A. Wells (MNHP).

Paratypes. New Caledonia: 1 male (on slide), data as for holotype, (ANIC); 1 male, Province Sud, Col d’Amieu, 323 m, small stony river, loc 24, 21°34.844'S, 165°49.677'E, Malaise trap, 30.xi–5.xii.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund (NHRS); 6 males, Province Sud, Monts Kwa Ne Mwa, on road between Noumea and Yaté, Rivière des Pirogues, 22°11.225'S, 166°43.338'E, 100 m, 7.xi.2003, light trap, loc#016, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.439'S, 166°28.646'E, 805 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#029, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 2 males, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.073'S, 166°28.460'E, 810 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#030, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, Platou de Dogny, source of Dogny River, about 1.2km SE summit of Platou, about 200 m from waterfall, 21.62067°S, 165.88290°E, 915 m, 25.xi–16.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#048, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male (on slide), Province Nord, Wé Caot Stream, draining NNE side of Mt Panié, 0.9 km NW Cascade de Tao, 20°33.311'S, 164°48.064'E, 18.xii.2003, light trap, loc#084, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

Named for the settlement of Houaïlou, near the type locality.

This species was collected from widespread localities along the length of the island (Fig. 94).

This species shares with O. parinsularis sp. n. the feature of gonopods, in ventral view, in the form of a prominent, sclerotised, Y-shaped structure, arising at around the distal third of abdominal segment IX, but differs from O. parinsularis sp. n. by having the fused basal section over 2× length of the divergent distal arms, not forming a shallow sclerotised band, and the bifid distal arms about 1/3 length of basal stem, not greatly exceeding length of base as in O. parinsularis sp. n.

Male antennae with 18 flagellomeres; flagellomeres rectangular in profile, without sensilla placodea, with abundant sensilla auricillica. Anterior wing length 1.5–1.8 mm (n=3). Tibial spurs 0,3,4. Venter of abdominal sternite VII with median spine.

Holotype. Male, New Caledonia, mountain stream up Boulari River, (BPBM). Other material. 2 males (1 on slide), Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.073'S, 166°28.460'E, 810 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#030, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, on road between Noumea and Yaté, 1.0 km NW Pont des Japonais, 22°11.427'S, 166°42.868'E, 113 m, 22.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#039, leg. K.A. Johanson.

Among the extensive collection of New Caledonian Oxyethira at hand, only three specimens of this species were identified, all from the south of the island (Fig. 95). Other specimens from one of the sites at which they were taken are distinct and are referred to O. parinsularis sp. n.

Males are distinguished from those of the closely similar O. insularis by the shape of gonopods which have longer, more elongate and slender divergent arms and very short, fused basal portion.

Male antennae with 18–19 flagellomeres, flagellomeres rectangular in profile, without sensilla placodea, with numerous sensilla auricillica; anterior wing length 1.5–1.8 mm (n=7); tibial spurs 0,3,4; abdominal sternite VII with median spine.

Male, genitalia (Figs 31–34). Abdominal segment IX rounded proximally, in ventral view apically almost truncate but shallowly excavated medially, in dorsal view deeply and roundly excavated, with a pair of short, curved sclerotised processes mesally, interpreted as homologues of ventral processes, with associated short setose lobes; gonopods forked, forming a pair of widely divergent slender, curved spines, basally fused in a narrow band; phallic apparatus with a strongly recurved narrow spine apically; titillator present.

Holotype. Male (on slide), New Caledonia, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.073'S, 166°28.460'E, 810 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#030, leg. K.A. Johanson, (MNHP).

Paratypes. 12 males (2 on slides), data as for holotype, (NHRS); 8 males, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.439'S, 166°28.646'E, 805 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#029, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, New Caledonia, Province Sud, Plateau de Dogny, source of Dogny River, about 1.4 km SE summit of Plateau, about 20 m upstream waterfall, 21.62054°S, 165.88503°E, 912 m, 25.xi–16.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#049, leg. K.A. Johanson, leg. K.A. Johanson (NRMS); 1 male (on slide), Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco, Stream, at Camp Jacob, 3.7 km WNW summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis–Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°43.613'S, 166°06.567'E, 150 m, 29.xi–12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#054, leg. K.A. Johanson (ANIC).

The close similarity between this species and O. insularis is worrying, especially since both were taken at one site, yet the differences are clear and consistent. The species was taken only in the southern province (Fig. 96). A photograph of the type locality with the trap is rendered in Fig. 79.

Males are readily recognised by the short, setose mid-apicoventral lobes situated between the gonopods [present in the holotype, although not illustrated clearly by Kelley (1989: fig. 60)]. In other respects they resemble O. quadrata sp. n., O. indorsennus, and O. rougensis sp. n. but differ in ventral view from O. quadrata sp. n. in the apically subtriangular to rounded shape of the subgenital process, rather than quadrate, and the simple, straight phallic apparatus lacking distal flanges; from O. indorsennus in the wider separation of the gonopods; and from O. rougensis sp. n. by the broad, shallow excision of abdominal segment VIII, rather than deep almost V-shaped excision. The female is distinctive in having abdominal segments IX and X slender with a small jet black spot ventrally on abdominal segment X (Kelley 1989: figs 50, 51 unlike the female of O. incana Ulmer which has the entire ventral surface of abdominal segment X very darkly sclerotised.

Antennae: male 22–23 flagellomeres, banded with terminal 3 flagellomeres pale, then 5 dark, 1 light, 2 dark 4 light, then dark to base, flagellomeres bearing sensilla placodea; female antennae with 19 flagellomeres, with terminal 3 flagellomeres pale, 5 dark, 5 light, then dark to base. Wing length male 1.6–1.9 mm; female 1.4–1.9 mm. Tibial spurs 0,3,4. Abdominal sternite VII with median spur on distal margin.

Figures 35–43. 

Oxyethira species male genitalia. 35–37 O. oropedion Kelley, phallic apparatus, ventral and lateral views 38 O. quadrata sp. n. ventral view 39, 40 O. dorsennus Kelley, lateral and ventral views 41–43 O. indorsennus Kelley, lateral view, phallic apparatus and ventral view. Abbreviations: gon = gonopod; sp = subgenital process; st lb = setose lobe of subgenital process; VIII, IX = abdominal segments VIII and IX.

Holotype. Male, New Caledonia, Plateau de Dogny, (BPBM). Other material. 1 males (on slide), Province Sud, NW of Farino on Moindou road, ~10 km, ford at confluence, 20.xii.1998, A. Wells (ANIC); 1 male (on slide) small fall ~20 km SW Houailou, on Houailou–Bourail road, 26.xii.1998, AW (ANIC); 1 male (on slide), chute ~15km N Col d’Amieu on La Foa–Canala Rd], 27.XII. 1998 AW (ANIC); 1 male (on slide), La Foa, 27.xii.1998, A Wells, (ANIC); 1 male (on slide), stream ~15 km SW Thio on Boulouparis–Thio road, 28.xii.1998, AW (ANIC); 4 males, Province Sud., Rivière Bleue, 282 m, stony river, loc 4, 22°05.705'S, 166°38.225'E, Malaise trap, 13–16.xi.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund(NHRS); 3 males, 7 females, Province Sud, Sarraméa, 220 m, forest stream, loc 10, 21°37.883'S 165°51.958'E, Malaise trap, 18–21.xi.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund (NHRS); 6 males, 26 females, Province Sud, Sarraméa, 2907 m, stony forest stream, loc 13, 21°37.097'S 165°49.351'E, Malaise trap, 18–21.xi.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund(NHRS); numerous males, females, Province Nord, Amoa River, 23 m, loc 20, 12 km W Poindimié, 22°58.092'S, 165°11.804'E, light trap, 26.xi.2001, Leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund(NHRS); 4 males, 7 females, Province Sud, Col d’Amieu, 323 m, small stony river, loc 24, 21°34.844'S, 165°49.677'E, Malaise trap, 30.xi–5.xii.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund(NHRS); 27 males, Province Sud, stream draining to Marais de la Rivière Blanche, 5.0 km SW Pont Pérignon, 22°09.513'S, 166°39.942'E, 180 m, 6–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#011, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 2 males, Province Sud, Monts Kwa Ne Mwa, on road between Noumea and Yaté, Rivière des Pirogues, 22°11.225'S, 166°43.338'E, 100 m, 7.xi.2003, light trap, loc#016, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 3 males, 2 females, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.439'S, 166°28.646'E, 805 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#029, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males, females, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.073'S, 166°28.460'E, 810 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#030, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males, females, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.439'S, 166°28.646'E, 805 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#029, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males, females, Province Sud, Tamoa River, 700m S road RT1 between Noumea and La Foa, 22°04.518'S, 166°16.592'E, 19.xi.2003, light trap, loc#033, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 3 males, 4 females, Province Sud, Hwa Hace Mtn, Hwa Motu River, at Pont Wamuttu, 1.0 km E Nassirah, about 200 m upstream bridge, 21°48.094'S, 166°04.298'E, 137 m, 20.xi–12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#034, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males, Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco Stream, 3.9 km W summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis–Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°44.359'S, 166°06.009'E, 117 m, 20.xi–12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#035, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 2 male, 3 females, Province Sud, on road between Noumea and Yaté, 1.0 km NW Pont des Japonais, 22°11.427'S, 166°42.868'E, 113 m, 22.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#039, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males (1 on slide), females 1 on slide), Province Sud, Platou de Dogny, source of Dogny River, about 1.2km SE summit of Platou, about 200 m from waterfall, 21.62067°S, 165.88290°E, 915 m, 25.xi–16.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#048, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males, females, Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco Stream, at Camp Jacob, 3.9 km W summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis—Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°44.083'S, 166°06.298'E, 117 m, 29.xi.2003–12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#053, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 17 males Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco, Stream, at Camp Jacob, 3.7 km WNW summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis–Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°43.613'S, 166°06.567'E, 150 m, 29.xi–12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#054, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 7 males, Province Sud, stream draining to Rivière des Pirogues, 850 m E summit of Mont Imbaah, 5.5 km E Lucky Creek in Plum, 22°16.837'S, 166°42.195'E, 31 m, 01.xii.2003, light trap, loc#060, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); males, 2 females, Province Nord, Aoupinié Mtn, Réserve spéciale de faune de l’Aoupinié, spring to side stream to Öröpömwati river, 21°09.032'S, 165°19.179'E, 441 m, 6–27.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#065, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 3 males, Province Nord, small stream crossing road RPN3 between Touho and Poindimié, about 200 m S Tiwaka River, 20°49.105'S, 165°15.182'E, 30 m, 6–27.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#066, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males, females, Province Nord, Wemwâdiu stream, 850 m E summit Kögi Mtn, 5 m upstream road, about 200 m S Tiwaka River, 20°49.020'S, 165°14.165'E, 24 m, 6–27.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#067, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males, females, Province Nord, 50 m upstream bridge on Hienghène–Tnèdo road, 3.9 km S summit of Mt Tnèda, 2.2 km E Tnèdo, 20°43.085'S, 164°49.928'E, 29 m, 7.xii.2003, light trap, loc#071, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 2 males, 3 females, Province Nord, 1 m upstream road, below waterfall on Hienghène–Tnèdo road, 2.2 km SSW summit of Mt Unpac, 4.9 km ESE Tnèdo, 20.73879°S, 164.85508°E, 7.xii.2003, light trap, loc#072, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males, females, Province Nord, Bouérabate Stream, S Mont Ninndo, along road Barabache–Boulagoma, 20°17.409'S, 164°11.242'E, 60 m, 19.xii.2003–7.i.2004, Malaise trap, loc#089, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males (4 on slides), females, Province Nord, Rivière Néhoué, camp Amenage de Néhoué, 20°25.037'S, 164° 13.222'E, 12 m, 19.xii.2003, light trap, loc#090, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males (1 on slide), females, Province Nord, Ponandou Tiôgé River at Kögi, 3.9 km SSW Touho, 20°49.043'S, 165°13.551'E, 25 m, 26.xii.2003, light trap, loc#100, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS, ANIC); 5 males, 3 females, Province Nord, Plaine des Gaïacs, Rivière Rouge, 14.2 km NW summit of Mt Rouge, 50 m upstream road RT1 Noumea–Koné, 21°31.573'S, 164°46.690'E, 23 m, 2.i.2004, light trap, loc#104, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 3 males, Province Sud, Fö Néchédeva stream, 2 m upstream bridge on La Foa–Koindé road, 21°38.812'S, 165°56.076'E, 124 m, 4.i.2004, light trap, loc#106, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males, females, Province Sud, Sarraméa, Xwê Wya River, 21°38.318'S, 165°51.582'E, 127 m, 17–18.i.2004, light trap, loc#121, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 4 males Province Sud, stream crossing way to sanatorium 2.3 km E St Laurent, ca. 150 m upstream bridge, 22°04.484'S, 166°19.910'E, loc 027, Malaise trap, 17–19.x.2006, leg. K.A. Johanson M Espeland, (NHRS).

Oxyethira oropedion is one of the more commonly collected New Caledonian Oxyethira species, occurring throughout the island (Fig. 97); several of the collecting sites are shown in photographs of type localities of other species (Figs 75, 76, 79, 81). Kelley’s (1989) illustration of the ventral view of the male exaggerates the separation of the lobes of the gonopods, which was undoubtedly what led Oláh and Johanson (2010a: fig. 50) to interpret the closer position seen in the single specimen on which they based O. derek as indicative of a separate morphospecies. Examination of the type of O. oropedion shows that it shares the features of O. derek and thus we suppress O. derek in synonymy.

This species is distinguished in the male from the similar species O. oropedion by the broadly truncate subgenital process rather than triangular to rounded, flanges on the phallic apparatus; and by the significantly longer antennae of 32 flagellomeres compared to 22–24 flagellomeres.

Male antennae with 32 flagellomeres, flagellomeres rectangular in profile, without sensilla placodea; anterior wing length 1.8 mm (n=1); tibial spurs 0,3,4; posterior spurs on hind leg longer than anterior spurs; abdominal sternite VII with sharp spur sub-apico-medially.

Male, genitalia (Fig. 38). Abdominal segment VIII rounded proximally, tapered slightly to distal margin, a pair of small setose lobes mesally at base of gonopods, gonopods in form of short discrete conical lobes, setose lobes of ventral processes short, subgenital process a subquadrate plate. Phallic apparatus distally with a lateral flange, but no free spine or titillator present.

Holotype. Male (on slide), New Caledonia, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.073'S, 166°28.460'E, 810 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#030, leg. K.A. Johanson (MNHP).

The name quadrata is descriptive of the shape of the subgenital processes.

Only one specimen of this species was identified, from the far south of the island (Fig. 98). Were it not for the exceedingly long antennae, we would probably have referred it to O. oropedion, broadening the concept of O. oropedion. A photograph of the type locality with the trap is rendered in Fig. 79.

Males are distinguished from the closely similar O. indorsennus by having spur formula 0,2,4, apical margins of gonopods truncate and subgenital process triangular rather than rounded as in O. indorsennus. These features also distinguish O. dorsennus from O. oropedion, which has apically well-separated gonopods with a pair of small setose lobes midventrally. Kelley (1989) distinguished O. dorsennus from O. indorsennus on the basis of spur count and the shape of dorsum [abdominal segment] VIII; this latter feature, however, appears to be less reliable than the shape of genital structures.

Male, antennae with 24 flagellomeres, flagellomeres rectangular in profile, without sensilla placodea. Anterior wing length, 1.5–2.1 mm (n=2). Tibial spurs 0,2,4. Abdominal sternite VII with short strong spur medially, offset from distal margin.

Holotype. Male, New Caledonia, mountain stream up Boulari River, (BPBM). Other material. 1 male (on slide), Province Sud, Couvelée River at Haute Couvelée, 2.8 km SV summit of Mt Piditéré, 3.5 km NNE Dumbéa, 22°07.405'S, 166°28.023'E, 27 m, 28.xi.2003, light trap, loc#052, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male (on slide), Province Sud, Xwé Pemöu Stream, 300 m N bridge over Dathio River at Atè, 6.2 km WNW Thio, 21.58835°S, 166.15117°E, 13 m, 29.xi.2003, light trap, loc#056, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, lower part Rivière des Pirogues, 800 m WNW summit of Mont Imbaah, 4.7 km E Lucky Creek in Plum, 22°18.559'S 166°41.227'E, 1.3 m, 1.xii.2003, light trap, loc#059, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

Only three further specimens of this species have been identified, all from the south of the island (Fig. 99). They conform in detail with the type. A photograph of the type locality with the trap is rendered in Fig. 80.

In ventral view males of O. indorsennus are distinguished from those of similar species, such as O. dorsennus, O. oropedion and O. quadrata by the rounded apical margins of the gonopods and apically rounded subgenital process, which contrast with the truncate apical margins of gonopods and triangular subgenital process of O. dorsennus; the absence of a pair of small median setose lobes between gonopods and clearly rounded subgenital process distinguish them from O. oropedion; and closely abutting gonopods, rather than widely separated, and rounded subgenital process rather than quadrate separates O. indorsennus from O. quadrata.

Male, antennae with 23–24 flagellomeres, flagellomeres rectangular in profile, without sensilla placodea. Anterior wing length, 1.3–2.1 mm (n=10). Tibial spurs 0,3,4. Abdominal sternite VII with sharp median spine, offset from distal margin.

Oxyethira indorsennus Kelley, Holotype. male, New Caledonia, mountain stream up Boulari River, (BPBM).

1 Male, Province Sud., Rivière Bleue, 282 m, stony river, loc 4, 22°05.705'S, 166°38.225'E, Malaise trap, 13–16.xi.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund(NHRS); 1 male (on slide), 6 females (1 on slide), Province Sud, stony stream draining Lac Yaté, 200 m, loc 5, 22°08.795'S, 166°42.313'E, Malaise trap 13–16.xi.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund(NHRS); 11 males, 5 females, Province Nord, Mt Acupinié, fauna reserve, 482 m, stream, loc 19, 2109.369'S, 16519.209'E, Malaise trap, 24–28.xi.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund(NHRS); 10 males, 12 females, Province Sud, stream draining to Marais de la Rivière Blanche, 1.35 km S Pont Pérignon, 22°08.496'S, 166°42.152'E, 180 m, 6–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#009, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males, females, Province Sud, stream draining to Marais de la Rivière Blanche, 2.25 km SW Pont Pérignon, 22.14158°’S, 166.67993 °E, 157 m, 6–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#010, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 14 males, Province Sud, side stream to Rivière Blanche, 10.75 km SW Pont Pérignon, 22°10.073'S, 166°39.903'E, 180 m, 6–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#012, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 2 males, Province Sud, Monts Kwa Ne Mwa, on road between Noumea and Yaté, 2.0 km E Pic Mouirange, 22°12.356'S, 166°40.798'E, 220 m, 7–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#014, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males, Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco Stream, 3.9 km W summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis–Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°44.359'S, 166°06.009'E, 117 m, 20.xi–12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#035, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, Platou de Dogny, source of Dogny River, about 900 m SE summit of Platou de Dogny, 21.61917°S, 165.88072°E, 919 m, 25.xi–16.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#046, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco Stream, at Camp Jacob, 3.9 km W summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis–Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°44.083'S, 166°06.298'E, 117 m, 29.xi.2003–12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#053, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 8 males (2 on slides), Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco Stream, at Camp Jacob, 3.7 km WNW summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis–Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°43.613'S, 166°06.567'E, 150 m, 12.xii.2003–05.i.2004, Malaise trap, loc#054, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 54 males, 18 females, Province Nord, Mt Panié, stream at camp, 20.58167°S, 164.76472°E, 1311 m, 9.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#073, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males, females, Province Nord, Mt Panié, stream at camp, 20. 58139°S, 164.76444°E, 1310 m, 9.xii.2003–2.i.2004, Malaise trap, loc#074, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 4 males, Province Nord, stream in Creek de Bambou, 5 m N road RT7 Ouégoa–Koumac, 20°27.863'S, 164°19.784'E, 58 m, 19.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#087, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 36, 15 females, Province Nord, Bouérabate Stream, S Mont Ninndo, along road Barabache–Boulagoma, 20°17.409'S, 164°11.242'E, 60 m, 19.xii.2003–7.i.2004, Malaise trap, loc#089, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 2 males, Province Sud, Co Rigule Stream, 2.1 km N bridge over Baie de Yaté, 4.3 km S Wé Ngéré, 22°08.147'S, 166° 56.072'E, 14 m, 18.i.2004, light trap, loc#122, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

Kelley (1989: 199, fig. 36) distinguished O. indorsennus from O. dorsennus on the basis of difference in spur formula (0,3,4 cf. 0,2,4) and “… shape of dorsum VIII”. However, examination of the types shows O. indorsennus to differ also in shape of the apical margins of gonopods and subgenital process, these being rounded as illustrated for O. tompa which also shares features such as spur formula and number of antennal flagellomeres (=24). Thus we are synonymising O. tompa with O. indorsennus. The species was collected widely throughout the island (Fig. 100).

This species shows a general resemblance to O. smolpela Wells, from New Guinea, but that species has a distinctive titillator on the phallic apparatus which is lacking in O. indorsennus.

Oxyethira rougensis sp. n. groups with O. oropedion, O. quadrata, O. dorsennus, and O. indorsennus, but unlike any of those species, males have venter of abdominal segment VIII deeply and narrowly excised apico-medially and subgenital process sculpted latero-distally.

Male antennae: with 23–24 flagellomeres, flagellomeres rectangular in profile; anterior wing length 1.1–1.8 mm (n=3); tibial spurs 0,3,4; abdominal sternite VII with short sharp median spine on distal margin.

Male, genitalia. Abdominal segment VIII conical, distally about half width of proximal quarter. Segment IX in ventral view almond shaped, in lateral view triangular proximally, mid-dorsally less than half length of venter. Gonopods fused basally, discrete and rounded distally, with slender mid-ventral apodeme reaching to proximal margin of segment IX; subgenital processes fused, forming a stout plate, rounded distally in ventral view, angular in lateral view, with subapical sculpturing towards apex on each side, and small notch mid apically; setose lobes about 2/3 length of plate. Phallic apparatus slender, straight, with short apical spine.

Figures 44–52. 

Oxyethira species male genitalia. 44–46 O. rougensis sp. n., ventral and lateral views and phallic apparatus 47–49 O. mouirange sp. n., ventral view, phallic apparatus and lateral view 50–52 O. ouenghica sp. n., phallic apparatus, ventral and lateral views. Abbreviations: gon = gonopod; sp = subgenital process; st lb = setose lobe of subgenital process; VIII, IX = abdominal segments VIII and IX.

Holotype. Male (on slide), New Caledonia, Province Nord, Plaine des Gaïacs, Rivière Rouge, 14.2 km NW summit of Mt Rouge, 50 m upstream road RT1 Noumea–Koné, 21°31.573'S, 164°46.690'E, 23 m, 2.i.2004, light trap, loc#104, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

Paratypes. 2 males (on slides), collection data as for holotype.

Oxyethira rougensis was taken only at the type locality, in the north-west of the island (Fig. 101). A photograph of the type locality with the trap immediately below the small waterfall is rendered in Fig. 81.

A member of Pacificotrichia subgenus, but distinguished from other species by males with discrete, elongate, sub-triangular gonopods.

male. Antennae with 24–25 flagellomeres; flagellomeres without sensilla placodea, rectangular in profile; anterior wing length 1.6–1.7 mm (n=2); tibial spurs 0,3,4; abdominal sternite VII with small sharp median spur.

Male, genitalia. In ventral view with abdominal segment VIII ovoid, apical margin with wide V-shaped excavation medially; without midventral apodeme; in lateral view, with apical margins broadly rounded; abdominal segment IX almond shaped. Gonopods sharply triangular; subgenital processes fused, forming subtriangular plate that is sharply triangular in lateral view; setose lobes less than half length of plate. Phallic apparatus extremely long, apically bifid, split into two equal-length sections.

Holotype. Male (on slide), New Caledonia, Province Sud, Monts Kwa Ne Mwa, on road between Noumea and Yaté, 2.0 km E Pic Mouirange, 22°12.356'S, 166°40.798'E, 220 m, 7–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#014, leg. K.A. Johanson (MNHP).

Paratypes. 2 males (on slides, one headless), collection data as for holotype (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, Sarraméa, Xwê Wya River, 21°38.318'S, 165°51.582'E, 127 m, 17–18.i.2004, light trap, loc#121, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

Named for Mt Mouirange near which the type was collected.

Taken only at two well-separated sites in the south of the island (Fig. 102).

Males resemble O. nehoue sp. n., O. melasma, and O. spicula sp. n. in having more or less triangular median ventral processes in the male genitalia. However, males of O. ouenghi differ from other New Caledonian species, having gonopods in form of slender curved spines adjacent to the narrow midventral process.

male. Antennae with 23–25 flagellomeres, each flagellomere length greater than width, without sensilla placodea; Anterior wing length 1.7–1.8 mm (n=2); tibial spurs 0,3,4; abdominal sternite VII with mid apical spine.

Male, genitalia (Figs 50–52). Abdominal segment VIII tapered slightly towards apex, only slightly longer than wide, with small cleft apico-ventrally and short apico-lateral lobes; in ventral view abdominal segment IX broadest mid length, tapered sharply proximally and distally, with gonopods forming a pair of narrow curved spines closely adpressed to an elongate triangular ventral process that terminates with a pair of tiny setae; phallic apparatus elongate, slender, with a long fine sinuous subapical process.

Holotype. Male (on slide), New Caledonia, Province Nord, Bouérabate Stream, S Mont Ninndo, along road Barabache–Boulagoma, 20°17.409'S, 164°11.242'E, 60 m, 19.xii.2003–7.i.2004, Malaise trap, loc#089, leg. K.A. Johanson (MNHP).

Paratypes. 8 males, same data as for holotype; 1 male (on slide), Ouenghi River, nr Boulouparis, 14.xii.1983, A Wells (ANIC); 1 male, Province Sud, Monts Kwa Ne Mwa, on road between Noumea and Yaté, 2.0 km E Pic Mouirange, 22°12.356'S, 166°40.798'E, 220 m, 7–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#014, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male (on slide), Province Sud, Monts des Koghis, ca 800 m S Koghi Restaurant, 22.18311°S, 166.50564°E, 460 m, 10–26.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#019, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 3 males, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.073'S, 166°28.460'E, 810 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#030, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

Named for the Ouenghi River beside which the first specimen was collected.

The apparent distribution of this very distinctive species is very odd, with one sample being taken in the extreme north of the island, the rest at sites in the south-west (Fig. 103). A photograph of the type locality with the trap is rendered in Fig. 75.

In having an elongate apical spine on the phallic apparatus, males of this species resemble those of O. scutica, but in O. enigmatica sp. n. the spine is shorter and strap-like, not thread-like as in O. scutica; abdominal segment VIII tapers and gradually increases in width distally, and distal margin of venter is more widely and shallowly excavated than in O. scutica in which it is deeply and narrowly excised.

Male antennae with 23–24 flagellomeres, flagellomeres without sensilla placodea, in profile almost subquadrate, but wider apically than proximally; anterior wing length, 1.5–1.6 mm (n=10); tibial spurs 0,2,4; abdominal segment VII with a sharp spur medially on distal margin.

Male, genitalia (Figs 53–54). Abdominal segment IX in ventral view wider distally than proximally, with distal margin shallowly excavated, proximal margin rounded, midventral apodeme present; in lateral view dorsal margin about half depth of ventral margin. Gonopods fused basally, distally discrete, conical; subgenital processes forming short, subquadrate plate. Phallic apparatus straight, with long sharply twisted apical spine, at right angle to and almost one third length of phallus; without titillator.

Figures 53–60. 

Oxyethira species male genitalia. 53, 54 O. enigmatica sp. n., ventral and lateral views 55–57 O. melasma Kelley, ventral and lateral views, and phallic apparatus, drawn from holotype 58–60 O. nehoue sp. n., ventral view, phallic apparatus and lateral view. Abbreviations: gon = gonopod; sp = subgenital process; st lb = setose lobe of subgenital process; VIII, IX = abdominal segments VIII and IX.

Holotype. Male (on slide), Province Sud, W part of Plaine des lacs, 150 m downstream bridge at La Capture, 22°15.967'S, 166°49.493'E, 261 m, 4–22.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#007, leg. K.A. Johanson (MNHP).

Paratypes. 54 males (9 on slides), data as for holotype.

Enigmatica: enigmatic in presenting a puzzle, being so similar to O. (P.) scutica in some respects, yet distinctive.

This species is known only from the large sample taken at the type locality in the extreme south of the island (Fig. 104). A photograph of the type locality with the trap is rendered in Fig. 82.

A mismatch between the published description and Kelley’s (1989) figures and the holotype specimen in the BPBM labelled “Oxyethira melasma” is a puzzle. The genital features of the holotype (examined by AW) are as in Fig. 56, and disagree with Kelley’s text description and illustrations (his figs 37, 45, 59) of “Oxyethira melasma”. However, the tibial spur count of the holotype is 0,2,4, as given by Kelley, and as in the type species. Kelley’s three figures of genital structures agree with the features of a series of specimens, described here as Oxyethira nehoue and illustrated in Figs 58–60; in contrast to Kelley’s “holotype”, these specimens all have a tibial spur count of 0,3,4.

Oxyethira melasma Kelley is here redescribed and figured from the holotype specimen. We can only suggest that Kelley had several specimens at hand, macerated one and labelled it “holotype”, but described and illustrated a specimen other than that labelled “Type”. The type has to be the name-bearing specimen and is redescribed here.

Males resemble O. nehoue sp. n., O. spicula sp. n., and O. ouenghi in having have a more or less triangular median ventral processes in the male genitalia. However, they most closely resemble O. nehoue sp. n. from which they are distinguished by spur count 0,2,4, gonopods fused, in ventral view sharply tapered proximally, narrowly parallel-sided distally, rounded apically, apex of phallic apparatus rounded without apical spine, in contrast to O. nehoue sp. n. in which the fused gonopods appear triangular in ventral view, and acuminate apically, and ventral process in lateral view sclerotised and arched ventrally.

male. Antennae with 19–26 flagellomeres, apical 3 flagellomeres pale, next 5 dark, then 13 pale and basal flagellomeres dark; anterior wing length 1.4–1.9 mm (n=10); tibial spurs 0,2,4; abdominal sternite VII with small sharp median spine, offset from margin.

Male, genitalia (Figs 55–57). Abdominal segment VIII more or less conical, a deep broadly V-shaped excision apico-ventrally. Abdominal segment IX in lateral view broadly bell-shaped; in ventral view rounded proximally, tapered distally, a pair of small short processes apically, each bearing a single seta. Gonopods sclerotised, fused, tapered to narrowly truncate apex, basal setose processes widely separated, slender, elongate, but shorter than fused gonopods, a slender basal apodeme midventrally; subgenital plate broad based, tapered to rounded apex, mostly membranous, but with a small ventrally curved prominence subapically. Phallic apparatus swollen in basal third, narrow in distal 2/3, without apical spine, ejaculatory tube medial.

Holotype. Male, Mountain stream up Boulari River (BPBM). Other material. 18 males, Province Sud, W part of Plaine des lacs, 150 m downstream bridge at La Capture, 22°15.967'S, 166°49.493'E, 261 m, 04–22.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#007, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 31males, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.073'S, 166°28.460'E, 810 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#030, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, downstream crosspoint to mountain track, 22°01.997'S, 166°28.486'E, 795 m, over about 30 m waterfall, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#031, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male (on slide), Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco, Stream, at Camp Jacob, 3.7 km WNW summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis–Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°43.613'S, 166°06.567'E, 150 m, 29.xi–12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#054, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 4 males, Province Sud, Co Rigule Stream, 2.1 km N bridge over Baie de Yaté, 4.3 km S Wé Ngéré, 22°08.147'S, 166° 56.072'E, 14 m, 18.i.2004, light trap, loc#122, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

The species was taken at a number of sites in the southern province of the island (Fig. 105).

This species resembles O. melasma and was illustrated and described as that species by Kelley (1989); however the holotype is as in Figs 55–57, see discussion above. The two species are distinguished by male genital features: O. nehoue sp. n. has abdominal segment VIII in ventral view shallowly and narrowly excavated mid apically, not widely and deeply; fused gonopods tapered to an acute apex, not truncate; subgenital process elongate rectangular, truncate apically, not rounded, in lateral view sclerotised and arched ventrally; and phallic apparatus with a broad spine arising sub apically.

Male antennae with 25–27 flagellomeres; anterior wing length 1.3–1.7 mm (n=7); tibial spurs 0,3,4; abdominal sternite VII with sharp apical spine.

Genitalia (Figs 58–60). Abdominal segment VIII in ventral view rounded proximally, gradually tapered towards apex, with a shallow, narrow excavation mid apically. Abdominal segment IX similar in shape to VIII. Gonopods fused, triangular in ventral view, dorsal setose lobes slightly shorter than gonopods conjoined at base, subgenital process elongate, forming narrowly rectangular plate, apically truncate, but with slight bulge mid-apically. Phallic apparatus with a broad spine arising subapically, extending beyond apex.

Female unknown.

Holotype. Male (on slide), Province Nord, Rivière Néhoué, camp Amenage de Néhoué, 20°25.037'S, 164°13.222'E, 12 m, 19.xii.2003, light trap, loc#090, leg. K.A. Johanson (MNHP).

Paratypes. 5 males (on slides), data as for holotype (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, creek on road between Sarraméa & La Foa, 15.xii.1983, A. Wells (ANIC); 1 male (on slide), Province Sud, stream NE turnoff to Tribu Kouraga on Boulouparis-Thio road, 19.xii.1983, AW (ANIC); 1 male, Ouenghi River, nr Boulouparis, 20.xii.1983, A. Wells (ANIC); 1 male (on slide), Province Sud, NW Farino on Moindou road, 20.vii.1998, AW (ANIC); 20 males, Province Sud, Tamoa River, 700m S road RT1 between Noumea and La Foa, 22°04.518'S, 166°16.592'E, 19.xi.2003, light trap, loc#033, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

Named for the Rivière Néhoué where it was collected.

The distribution of this species is similar to that of O. ouenghi, mainly collected from a cluster of southern sites, but with one site in the far north (Fig. 106). A photograph of the type locality with the trap is rendered in Fig. 83.

Males superficially resemble those of O. enigmatica, having a long apical process on the phallic apparatus, antennae with 23–25 flagellomeres, and spur formula of 0,2,4, but are distinguished by apical process on phallic apparatus longer and thread-or whip-like in appearance, rather than strap-like as in O. enigmatica, and abdominal segment VIII with distal margin of venter of deeply and narrowly excised, compared with shallowly excavated margin of O. enigmatica. Females resemble those of O. oropedion (Kelley 1989: figs 50, 51, both having abdominal terminalia in form of a slender oviscapt and cerci slender, elongate, about length of segment X, but females of O. scutica lack the darkly sclerotised area on the venter of segment IX (Kelley 1989: figs 52, 53).

Antennae: male with 21–24 flagellomeres, flagellomeres subquadrate in profile, without sensilla placodea; female with 18 flagellomeres. Fore wing length: male 1.1–1.5 mm (n=8), female 1.4 mm (n=2). Spurs 0,2,4. Abdominal sternite VII with sharp median spur.

Figures 61–66. 

Oxyethira species male genitalia. 61–63 O. scutica Kelley, ventral view and enlarged gonopods and subgenital process, and lateral view 64–66 O. spicula sp. n., ventral view and enlarged gonopods and subgenital process, and lateral view. Abbreviations: gon = gonopod; sp = subgenital process; st lb = setose lobe of subgenital process; VIII, IX = abdominal segments VIII and IX.

Holotype. Male, New Caledonia, mountain stream up Boulari River, (BPBM). Other material. 1 male (on slide), Province Sud, Ouenghi River, Boulouparis, 19.xii,1983, A Wells, (ANIC); 1 male (on slide), Province Sud, side stream to Rivière Blanche, 10.75 km SW Pont Pérignon, 22°10.073'S, 166°39.903'E, 180 m, 6–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#012, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 7 males, Province Sud, Monts Kwa Ne Mwa, on road between Noumea and Yaté, 1.5 km E Pic Mouirange, 22°12.545'S, 166°40.246'E, 143 m, 9.xi.2003, light trap, loc#018, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 2 males, Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, at crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.218'S, 166°28.566'E, 797 m, 18.xi.2003, light trap, loc#032, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, 1 female, Province Sud, on road between Noumea and Yaté, 1.0 km NW Pont des Japonais, 22°11.427'S, 166°42.868'E, 113 m, 22.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#039, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 2 male, 1 female, Province Sud, lower part Rivière des Pirogues, 800 m WNW summit of Mont Imbaah, 4.7 km E Lucky Creek in Plum, 22°18.559'S, 166°41.227'E, 1.3 m, 01.xii.2003, light trap, loc#059, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 10 males, Province Sud, stream draining to Rivière des Pirogues, 850 m E summit of Mont Imbaah, 5.5 km E Lucky Creek in Plum, 22°16.837'S, 166°42.195'E, 31 m, 01.xii.2003, light trap, loc#060, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

This appears to be another southern species (Fig. 107).

Males are most similar to O. melasma, O. nehoue and O. ouenghi all of which have more or less triangular median ventral processes in the male genitalia, but can be recognised by the expanded apex of the phallic apparatus with a prominent acute spine, the very long, proximally rounded, abdominal segment VIII that tapers distally and completely obscures segment IX, and the shape of the plate formed from fused gonopods and subgenital processes.

Male antennae damaged, at least with 19 flagellomeres, flagellomeres rectangular in profile, without sensilla placodea; anterior wing length 1.9 mm (n=1); tibial spurs 0,3,4; abdominal sternite VII with a coarse spur medially.

Male, genitalia (Figs 64–66). Abdominal segment VIII pear-shaped, ventrally with narrow distal margin excavated apically; abdominal segment IX obscured by VIII; gonopods fused forming a triangular plate ventrally with subgenital process a short knob-shaped lobe apically and a deep mid ventral apodeme reaching almost full length of segment; phallic apparatus elongate and slender in proximal 3/4, irregularly dilated distally, with sharp apical spine and short lateral process.

Female unknown, although a single unknown female of an Oxyethira species was collected with the holotype and could be of this species. The terminalia of this female are slender and elongate, of the form seen in O. oropedion and O. scutica, with a V-shaped marking ventrally on abdominal segment VIII.

Holotype. Male (slide), New Caledonia, Province Sud, Rivière des Lacs, 1.1 km NW Lac en Huit, 4.9 km NW summit of Pic du Grand Kaori, 22°15.195'S, 166°52.178'E, 10.xii.2003, light trap, loc#078, leg. K.A. Johanson (MNHP).

Name being descriptive of the spicule-like spine on the phallic apparatus.

This species is known only from the type specimen, collected in the far south (Fig. 108) and now on a prepared slide. It is impossible to know if the state of abdominal segment IX of the type is the usual situation, or simply unusual that segment has retracted in this particular specimen. Regardless, the form of the phallic apparatus is highly distinctive.

One of the New Caledonian species of Oxyethira with genitalia retracted within the very rounded abdominal segment VIII but differs from other species with this feature such as O. incana and O. spicula by well-defined clearly branched gonopods and the phallic apparatus a simple rod, sharply bifid apically.

Male antennae with 25–29 flagellomeres; flagellomeres slender rectangular in profile, without sensilla placodea, terminal 5 flagellomeres pale, followed by 3 dark, 10 pale, rest dark; anterior wing. Length 3.0–3.7 mm (n=4); tibial spurs 0,3,4; abdominal segment VII short, sharp mid ventral spur.

Male, genitalia (Figs 67–69). Abdominal segment VIII broadly rounded, ventrally and dorsally concave apically; abdominal segment IX in ventral view rounded, sharply triangular in lateral view, retracted within VIII; gonopods fused basally, distally stoutly bilobed, subgenital process V-shaped, fused ventrally with gonopods; phallic apparatus a simple elongate rod, distally forming sharply bifid apex.

Figures 67–74. 

Oxyethira species male genitalia. 67–69 O. digitata sp. n., phallic apparatus, ventral and lateral views 70, 71 O. incana (Ulmer), ventral view and phallic apparatus 72–74 O. macropennis sp. n., ventral and lateral views and phallic apparatus. Abbreviations: gon = gonopod; sp = subgenital process; st lb = setose lobe of subgenital process; VIII, IX = abdominal segments VIII and IX.

Holotype. Male (on slide), Province Sud, side stream to Rivière Blanche, 10.75 km SW Pont Pérignon, 22°10.073'S, 166°39.903'E, 180 m, 6–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#012, leg. K.A. Johanson (MNHP).

Paratypes. 6 males (on slides), same data as holotype (NHRS); 1 male Province Sud, stream draining to Marais de la Rivière Blanche, 1.35 km S Pont Pérignon, 22°08.496'S, 166°42.152'E, 180 m, 6–16.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#009, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male, Province Sud, Monts Kwa Ne Mwa, on road between Noumea and Yaté, Rivière des Pirogues, 22°11.225'S, 166°43.338'E, 100 m, 7.xi.2003, light trap, loc#016, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male (on slide), Province Sud, Mt Dzumac, source stream of Ouinne River, near crosspoint to mountain track, 22°02.073'S, 166°28.460'E, 810 m, 18.xi–4.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#030, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); 1 male (on slide), Province Sud, W slope Mt Ningua, Kwé Néco, Stream, at Camp Jacob, 3.7 km WNW summit of Mt Ningua, on Boulouparis–Thio Road, about 50 m upstream road, 21°43.613'S, 166°06.567'E, 150 m, 29.xi–12.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#054, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

Named for the finger-like lobes of the gonopods in male.

Oxyethira digitata shares a southern distribution (Fig. 109) with O. melasma and O. scutica. A photograph of the type locality with the trap is rendered in Fig. 84.

Figures 75–80. 

Type localities of Oxyethira species. 75 O. tiwaka sp. n. and O. ouenghi sp. n. (collected together with the hydroptilid species Oxyethira caledonensis, O. oropedion, O. indorsennus, O. incana, Hydroptila losida, Hellyethira malleoforma, Acritoptila disjuncta Kelley, 1989, A. crinita Kelley, 1989, A. glossocercus Kelley, 1989 and A. amphapsis Kelley, 1989) 76 O. perignonica sp. n. (collected together with the hydroptilid species Oxyethira oropedion) 77 O. abbreviata sp. n. (no other Hydroptilidae species collected at this site) 78 O. incurvata (collected together with the hydroptilid species Oxyethira caledonensis) 79 O. parinsularis sp. n. and O. quadrata sp. n. (collected together with the hydroptilid species Oxyethira incurvata sp. n., O. caledonensis, O. houailou sp. n., O. insularis, O. oropedion, O. melasma, O. digitata sp. n., Acritoptila disjuncta, A. crinita, A. ouenghica Wells, 1995, Caledonotrichia illiesi Sykora, 1967, C. minuta Wells, Johanson & Mary-Sasal, 2013, C. ouinnica Wells, Johanson & Mary-Sasal, 2013, C. nyurga Oláh & Johanson, 2010, Paroxyethira atypica Wells & Johanson, 2012 and P. dzumac Wells & Johanson, 2012) 80 O. dorsennus sp. n. (collected together with the hydroptilid species Hydroptila losida and Paroxyethira dumagnes Kelley, 1984).

Figures 81–85. 

Type localities of Oxyethira species. 81 O. rougensis sp. n. (collected together with the hydroptilid species Oxyethira oropedion, Hydroptila losida, Hellyethira malleoforma, Acritoptila crinita, A. macrospina Wells & Johanson, 2014 and Paroxyethira opposita Wells & Johanson, 2012) 82 O. enigmatica sp. n. (collected together with the hydroptilid species O. perignonica sp. n., O. melasma and Acritoptila disjuncta) 83 O. nehoue sp. n. (collected together with the hydroptilid species Oxyethira oropedion, O. incana, Hydroptila losida, Hellyethira malleoforma and Acritoptila disjuncta) 84 O. digitata sp. n. (collected together with the hydroptilid species Oxyethira incurvata sp. n., O. indorsennus, O. scutica, Hydroptila losida, Caledonotrichia illiesi and C. minuta) 85 O. macropennis sp. n. (no other Hydroptilidae species collected at this site).

Figures 86–93. 

Maps of New Caledonia, with collecting sites plotted for Hydroptilidae species. 86 Oxyethira spinifera sp. n. 87 O. tiwaka sp. n. 88 O. perignonica sp. n. 89 O. abbreviata sp. n. 90 O. incurvata sp. n. 91 O. caledonensis 92 O. arok 93 O. amieu sp. n.

Figures 94–101. 

Maps of New Caledonia, with collecting sites plotted for Hydroptilidae species. 94 Oxyethira houailou sp. n. 95 O. insularis 96 O. parinsularis sp. n. 97 O. oropedion 98 O. quadrata sp. n. 99 O. dorsennus 100 O. indorsennus 101 O. rougensis sp. n.

Figures 102–109. 

Maps of New Caledonia, with collecting sites plotted for Hydroptilidae species. 102 Oxyethira mouirange sp. n. 103 O. ouenghi sp. n. 104 O. enigmatica sp. n. 105 O. melasma 106 O. nehoue sp. n. 107 O. scutica 108 O. spicula sp. 109 O. digitata sp. n.

Males of this species are distinguished from others in the New Caledonian fauna by abdominal segment VIII with disto-lateral angles spiny, and venter produced and rounded distally not excised apico-ventrally, forming a shield over other genital structures which are strongly fused; and by phallic apparatus curiously stout and medially curved, lacking a titillator. Female terminalia longer and terminally more slender than those of caledoniensis group species, but not as slender as in members of subgenus Pacificotrichia, with sternite X bearing a jet black quadrate plate.

Antennae: males 25–28 flagellomeres, flagellomeres about twice as long as wide; female 20–21 flagellomeres, flagellomeres subquadrate in profile. Anterior wing length: males 1.8–2.2 mm (n=10); females 1.8–2.4 mm (n=10). Spurs 0,3,4. Abdominal sternite VII without median spine.

Numerous males, females, Province Nord, Amoa River, 23 m, loc 20, 12 km W Poindimié, 22°58.092'S, 165°11.804'E, light trap, 26.xi.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund (NHRS, ANIC); 2 males, 2 females, Province Nord, 50 m upstream bridge on Hienghène–Tnèdo road, 3.9 km S summit of Mt Tnèda, 2.2 km E Tnèdo, 20°43.085'S, 164°49.928'E, 29 m, 7.xii.2003, light trap, loc#071, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males, females, Province Nord, 1 m upstream road, below waterfall on Hienghène–Tnèdo road, 2.2 km SSW summit of Mt Unpac, 4.9 km ESE Tnèdo, 20.73879°S, 164.85508°E, 7.xii.2003, light trap, loc#072, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRM); 3 males, 6 females, Province Nord, stream in Creek de Bambou, 5 m N road RT7 Ouégoa–Koumac, 20°27.863'S, 164°19.784'E, 58 m, 19.xii.2003, Malaise trap, loc#087, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males, females, Province Nord, Bouérabate Stream, S Mont Ninndo, along road Barabache–Boulagoma, 20°17.409'S, 164°11.242'E, 60 m, 19.xii.2003–7.i.2004, Malaise trap, loc#089, leg. K.A. Johanson; 2 males, 4 females, Province Nord, Rivière Néhoué, camp Amenage de Néhoué, 20°25.037'S, 164°13.222'E, 12 m, 19.xii.2003, light trap, loc#090, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS); numerous males, females, Province Nord, Héémwâ Pwei River, 50 m upstream bridge on Touho–Hienghene road, 1.0 km N Paola, 20.76512°S, 165.10979°E, 22.xii.2003, light trap, loc#095, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRM); 3 male, 6 females, Province Nord, Ponandou Tiôgé River at Kögi, 3.9 km SSW Touho, 20°49.043'S, 165°13.551'E, 25 m, 26.xii.2003, light trap, loc#100, leg. K.A. Johanson (NHRS).

In New Caledonia this species was taken only in the northern province (Fig. 110); elsewhere it is widespread from Java, through South-East Asia to New Guinea and northern Australia.

Immediately recognised by the remarkable form of the phallic apparatus, which has a contorted twist towards the stout seta-bearing apex, and the brush of shorter stout setae medially on abdominal sternite IX. By these features it is distinguished clearly from all other New Caledonian species.

Male antennae with 22–24 flagellomeres; flagellomeres urn-shaped, few sensilla placodea subapically, dense sensilla auricillica; anterior wing length 1.7–2.1 mm (n=5); tibial spurs 0,3,4; abdominal sternite VII without medial spur.

Male, genitalia (Figs 72–74). Abdominal segment VIII quadrate in profile; abdominal segment IX subrectangular, ventrally bearing a brush of stout setae medially, and on each side a cluster of shorter setae subapically, mid dorsally short, apical margin shallowly excavated; gonopods may be represented by the sclerotised apico-lateral lobes on abdominal segment IX; phallic apparatus strongly twisted in distal half, beyond a short lateral process that may represent titillator, subapically irregular in shape, bearing a stout seta.

Oxyethira macropennis is quite unlike all other New Caledonian species, however it conforms with the diagnostic features of members of the Oxyethira and thus is assigned to this genus, albeit somewhat tentatively.

Holotype. Male (on slide), New Caledonia, Province Sud, south of Plaine des Lacs, 4.0 km N Prony, 22°16.906'S, 166°49.402'E, 9–22.xi.2003, Malaise trap, loc#017, leg. K.A. Johanson (MNHP).

Paratypes. 6 males (2 on slides), data as for holotype (NMHR); 1 male, Province Sud, Sarraméa, 220 m, forest stream, loc 10, 21°37.883'S 165°51.958'E, Malaise trap, 18–21.xi.2001, leg. K.A. Johanson, T. Pape & B. Viklund (NHRS).

Name descriptive of the relatively large phallic apparatus.

Oxyethira macropennis was taken only at two well-separated sites in the south of the island. A photograph of the type locality with the trap is rendered in Fig. 85.