Sumacodella elongata sp. nov., original designation.

Holotype. Male (pinned). Ecuador: Napo: Wildsumaco Lodge, small stream, Coati Trail @ wooden bridge, 0.67433°S, 77.60260°W, 1420 m a.s.l., 10.iii.2020, Ríos, Holzenthal, Frandsen, Pauls, Amigo, UMSP000500637 (UMSP). Paratypes. Ecuador: same data as holotype, 2 males (pinned) (UMSP), 1 male, 1 female (pinned) (MECN).

This new species is not easily placed in any established genus of Philopotaminae and consequently we are placing it in a new genus. Like other taxa that Ross (1956) assigned to Sortosa Navás, 1918 (subsequently reassigned to Dolophilodes Ulmer, 1909) it has the plesiomorphic trait of retaining all three anal veins in the hind wing. A character suggesting its possible relationship to the genus Alterosa, currently only known from eastern and southern Brazil, is the structure of the phallobase, which is uniformly tubular and lacks the basodorsal expansion typical of most genera of Philopotamidae. Also, like Alterosa, it lacks a ventral process on any of its abdominal segments, but, unlike Alterosa, it lacks a pair of intermediate appendages mesal to the preanal appendages, which was used as an apomorphic and defining character for that genus by Blahnik (2005). However, Dumas and Nessimian (2013) described two Brazilian species, A. graciosa and A. inappendiculata, that lack intermediate appendages, but otherwise these species conform morphologically to other species in the genus. Sumacodella elongata, in other features, is not similar to those two species and possesses several unique and unusual characters, which collectively serve as the basis for a generic diagnosis.

Characters of Sumacodella that can generally be regarded as plesiomorphic for Philopotaminae, as indicated by Ross (1956), include the venation of the forewing, which has a complete set of forks (I, II, III, IV, and V), a more or less linear and hyaline chord, composed of the s, r-m, and m crossveins, and looped anal veins, which converge basally and lack a crossvein, leaving a long common vein extending to the arculus (Fig. 4A). The hind wing has all three anal veins reaching the wing margin (Fig. 4B), a plesiomorphic character within Philopotaminae, also discussed by Ross (1956), and lacks fork IV, a character loss generally considered synapomorphic for the entire family Philopotamidae, exclusive of Rossodes tsaratananae (Ross, 1956). Sumacodella elongata has also lost fork III in the hind wing, probably convergently with several other taxa in the family, including some species of Wormaldia and some Chimarra. Also, plesiomorphic for Philopotaminae are the bi-segmented inferior appendages, each with an apicomesal pad of short spine-like setae (Fig. 3A), the elongate, digitate preanal appendages (Fig. 3A, B), and setation of the tergal segments anterior to segment IX, in which at least some segments have a pair of desclerotized patches near the posterior margin with several elongate setae, but the setation is otherwise confined to short and often sparse setae near the posterior margin. Distinctive characters for Sumacodella elongata, likely to be apomorphic because of their uniqueness within the family Philopotamidae, include an elongate and tapering segment IX (Fig. 3A), with an elongate ventral margin, but with the posterior margin nearly linearly narrowing dorsally, so that the posterior margin converges with the anterior margin dorsomesally, and from which the narrow, digitate preanal appendages emerge, as well as the base of tergum X. The very elongate, narrow anterolateral apodemes of segment IX are unique within Philopotamidae (Fig. 3A). Also unique within Philopotamidae is the very elongate and narrow tergum X, with sensilla confined to a narrow apicomesal projection, bordered by narrow lateral projections in the distal 3^rd of the segment (Fig. 3A, B). Other characters unique to Sumacodella include the very elongate anteromesal apodeme of the inferior appendages (Fig. 3C, D) and the very elongate, tubular phallus, which is tubular anteriorly, rather than with a basodorsal projection, and has tracts of small, included spines (Fig. 3E, F). All these characters are diagnostic for the type species of the genus and any of them would serve as diagnostic characters for placement of additional species within the genus.

Figure 3. 

Sumacodella elongata gen. nov., sp. nov. Male genitalia A segments VIII–X, lateral B segments VIII–X, dorsal C inferior appendage, dorsal D inferior appendage, ventral E phallus, dorsal F phallus, lateral.

Figures 4, 5. 

Sumacodella elongata gen. nov., sp. nov. Male wings and female genitalia 4A forewing 4B hind wing 5 female genitalia, segment VII–X, lateral.

Adult. Forewing length male 5.0–5.7 mm (n = 4); female 5.9 mm (n = 1). Head short, rounded; postocular parietal sclerite less than half diameter of eye. Overall color dark brown, including palps and antennae; head and base of forewing with longer, light brown setae, femora slightly paler, antennae with narrow annulations at intersection of segments, chord of forewing only indistinctly evident. Wings both relatively broad and rounded apically. Forewing with forks I, II, III, IV, and V; with chord nearly linear and hyaline (lacking pigmentation), anal loops of forewing with both 2A and 3A intersecting 1A in basal half of vein, 3A nearly convergent with 2A. Hind wing with forks I, II, and V, with all three anal veins reaching wing margin. Spur formula 2:4:4, spurs of foretibiae both short, outer spurs of mesotibiae slightly greater than half length of inner spurs, spurs of metatibia both elongate, outer spurs slightly shorter. Foretarsi of males unmodified, narrow.

Male. Segment VIII moderately elongate, sternum and tergum subequal in length, sternum densely covered with short, fine setae, tergum with setae confined to posterior region of segment, posterodorsally with pair of desclerotized patches with several more elongate setae (characteristic of most species in subfamily Philopotaminae). Segment IX, in lateral view, synscleritous, elongate, strongly tapering, with pair of very elongate apodemes on anterolateral margin at ca. mid-height, ventral margin strongly produced posteriorly, subtruncate as viewed dorsally or ventrally, posterior margin very obliquely narrowed dorsally, with lateral margin converging from ca. mid-height to anterior margin; as viewed dorsally, with posterior margin forming V-shaped convergence at anterior margin. Tergum X very elongate, narrow, and parallel-sided, weakly arched as viewed laterally, base distinctly narrowed at mesal juncture of anterior and posterior margins of segment IX, forming short tab-like projection; in apical 3^rd or 4^th forming elongate, narrow mesal lobe, bordered by pair of elongate, narrow lateral lobes, slightly shorter than mesal lobe; mesal lobe densely covered with sensilla, basally with pair of short, stalked projections at juncture with lateral lobes, each with one or two short terminal setae. Preanal appendage elongate, narrow, proximate basally, at juncture of tergum X and anterior and posterior convergence of dorsal margins of segment IX, appendage very narrow basally, gradually widening apically. Inferior appendage bi-segmented, segments subequal in length, nearly uniform in width; apical segment rounded, with dense pad of short, stiff apical spines, somewhat extended anteriorly on ventromesal surface. Phallus very elongate, narrow, tubular, without basodorsal projection; internally with several patches of fine, nail-like spines, varying in length, apical patch (in incompletely everted endotheca) preceded by two more elongate spines. Phallotremal sclerite very indistinct, weakly sclerotized, small, and ring-like.

Female. Genitalia very elongate, tapering from segment VII. Segment VII elongate, sternum covered with fine setae; tergum with setae confined to posterior half. Segment VIII with tergum and sternum not fused, shorter than segment VII, relatively undifferentiated in structure and shape, together forming narrow tube; sternum with very elongate, narrow apodemes from dorsolateral margins, at ca. mid-length, extending to ca. mid-length of segment VII. Segment IX shorter and somewhat narrower than segment VIII, sternum and tergum apparently divided, at least anteriorly, segment with very elongate, narrow apodemes, extending to ca. base of segment VIII. Segment X composed of pair of elongate, bulbous lobes, each lobe with short setae basally, apically with numerous sensilla and small, digitate cercus.

The genus is named Sumacodella, feminine, for Volcán Sumaco, an isolated stratovolcano located in the Ecuadorian Amazon, which hosts an amazingly high diversity of endemic plants and animals. The termination -della is intended to make the name euphonious with Chimarrhodella, Hydrobiosella, and Aymaradella, other philopotamids known from the Neotropics. The specific epithet is from the Latin elongatus, meaning elongated and referring to the several elongate appendages and other structures of the male genitalia, which are very diagnostic for this new species.

Holotype. Male (pinned). Ecuador: Morona-Santiago: Macas, small gravel stream (Wallace/Real property), 2.20299°S, 78.08539°W, 1076 m a.s.l., 14.xi.2015, Ríos-Touma, Thomson, Amigo, Real-Wallace, UMSP000357522 (UMSP). Paratypes. Ecuador: same data as holotype 28 males, 39 females (pinned) (UMSP); same locality as holotype, except 27.i.2015, Holzenthal, Huisman, Ríos-Touma, Amigo, 4 males, 11 females (pinned), 3 males (in alcohol) (MECN).

Chimarra asterae is a member of the Chimarra (Chimarra) bidens group of Blahnik (1998), very similar to C. duckworthi Flint, 1967, particularly because of the general shape and length of the inferior appendages. The distinctly different sclerotization of the female genitalia provides the best evidence that the two forms are distinct species. The most distinctive differences in the male genitalia are in the structure of the inferior appendages, which have the basal part more broadly rounded, in lateral view, and the apex slightly more rounded, with a small notch or tooth-like projection pre-apically on the mesal surface (Fig. 6C–E), absent in C. duckworthi (Fig. 6G, H). Chimarra asterae could also be confused with C. caribea Flint, 1968, which also has a small tooth-like projection near the apex of the inferior appendage. However, the overall length of the inferior appendage is longer in C. caribea and the tooth-like projection is somewhat more removed from the apex (Blahnik 1998: fig. 54C, D,F).

Figure 6. 

Chimarra (Chimarra) asterae sp. nov. Male genitalia A segments IX, X, lateral B segments IX, X, dorsal C inferior appendages, oblique lateral D inferior appendage, ventral E inferior appendage, dorsal F phallus, lateral G inferior appendage, C. duckworthi, lateral (for comparison) H inferior appendage, C. duckworthi, ventral (for comparison).

The female genitalia of C. asterae resemble C. duckworthi in having both a dorsal and paired ventral sclerites near the posterior opening of the vaginal apparatus, as well as distinct, membranous pocket-like lobes (probably receptacles for the inferior appendages of the male) associated with the ventral sclerites of segment IX (Fig. 8). The genitalia of C. asterae differs in that the sclerotized ventral furrows of the vaginal apparatus are short, and the lateral margins of the vaginal tract have distinct sclerites (Fig. 7). Also, it lacks the paired posteroventral sclerites, posterior to the sclerotized ventral furrows, which form an element of the vaginal apparatus in C. duckworthi.

Figures 7, 8. 

Chimarra (Chimarra) asterae sp. nov. 7 female genitalia, ventral 8 Chimarra (Chimarra) duckworthi, female genitalia, ventral (for comparison). Abbreviations: vag. app. = vaginal apparatus.

Adult. Forewing length male 4.8–5.4 mm (n = 5); female 5.4–6.0 mm (n = 5). Color nearly uniformly brownish black (fuscous), except femora slightly paler. Head relatively short and rounded, (postocular parietal sclerite ca. half diameter of eye). Third segment of maxillary much longer than second, subequal to 5^th. Male protarsal claws enlarged, asymmetrical in size and shape, outer claw longer and twisted.

Male. Abdominal segment IX, in lateral view, with very pronounced sinuous extension of anteroventral margin and small apodemes from anterodorsal margin; Posteroventral process very narrow, length greater than width, subacute apically. Tergum X membranous mesally, with sclerotized lateral lobes, each bearing pair of sensilla on short, rounded protuberance near dorsal margin in basal half, apex of lobe somewhat mesally cupped and bluntly rounded. Preanal appendage short, rounded, knob-like. Inferior appendage, in lateral view, relatively elongate (similar in length to C. duckworthi, shorter than C. caribea), mesally curved, with apical rotation, apices apposed, chisel-like, basoventral margin of appendage more broadly rounded than in C. duckworthi, apex of inferior appendage somewhat enlarged, with small tooth-like projection near apex on ventromesal margin. Phallobase with very distinct, acute apicoventral projection, two phallic spines, moderately elongate, differing slightly in length, endotheca tubular, more-or-less covered with small echinate spines, apicoventrally with curled sclerite and associated tract of very small spines. Phallotremal sclerite complex composed of elongate rod and ring structure and membranous structure with pair of associated wishbone-like sclerites apically.

Female. Ventral sclerites of sternum IX with prominent membranous lateral pouches (probably “clasper receptacles” of Blahnik, 1998). Vaginal apparatus moderately elongated with distinct rounded dorsal and paired ventral sclerites apically, ventrally with paired, narrow, furrow-like sclerites, beginning at mid-length, proximate posteriorly and diverging anteriorly; lateral margins of vaginal tract with elongate, narrow sclerites; vaginal tract narrowed anteriorly, with declivous, cup-like sclerite.

This new species is named in honor of Aster Real-Wallace, a young nature enthusiast and member of the Real-Wallace family, owners and protectors of a beautiful patch of remnant Amazonian pre-montane riverine forest on a tributary of the Río Upano, where this species was discovered.

Holotype. Male (pinned). Ecuador: Pichincha: Quebrada Laguna, in Mashpi Lodge, 00.16693°N, 078.87122°W, 1111 m a.s.l., 23.vii.2015, Rázuri, Morabowen, Hernández, UMSP000380186 (UMSP). Paratypes. Ecuador: Pichincha: Amagusa Reserve (private), Río Amagasu, 0.15508°N, 78.84330°W, 1160 m a.s.l., 17.i.2015, Holzenthal, Huisman, Ríos-Touma, 1 male (in alcohol) (MECN); Cotopaxi: Recinto Los Laureles (Jardín de los Suenos), stream, 0.84165°S, 79.20051°W, 473 m a.s.l., Holzenthal, Ríos, Amigo, Huisman, 1 male (in alcohol) (MECN).

Chimarra mashpi is a distinctive species in the Chimarra (Chimarra) ortiziana group of Blahnik (1998), most closely resembling C. colmillo Blahnik & Holzenthal, 1992, especially in the spines of the endotheca, which has an array of short spines and two longer spines near the phallotremal opening (Fig. 9F). As compared to C. colmillo, the apical part of the inferior appendage is shorter, wider, and strongly, angularly mesally flexed (Fig. 9C–E). In the latter respect it somewhat resembles C. pollex Blahnik & Holzenthal, 1992, which also has the dorsal projection of the inferior appendage strongly flexed, but in C. pollex the dorsal lobe of the inferior appendage is shorter, narrower, and more dorsally directed, with the flexure forming a rounded notch. Tergum X of this new species is also diagnostic, with the lateral sensilla-bearing processes subtriangular and distinctly protruding (Fig. 9B).

Figure 9. 

Chimarra (Chimarra) mashpi sp. nov. Male genitalia A segments IX, X, lateral B segments IX, X, dorsal C inferior appendages, oblique lateral D inferior appendage, ventral E inferior appendage, dorsal F phallus, lateral.

Adult. Forewing length 4.7 mm (n = 1). Color nearly uniformly brownish black (fuscous), except femora yellowish brown and head somewhat darker, with scattered whitish setae on vertex and anteromesal setal wart. Postocular parietal sclerite relatively short (less than half diameter of eye). Third segment of maxillary palp much longer than 2^nd, subequal to 5^th. Male protarsal claws enlarged, asymmetrical in size and shape, outer claw longer and twisted.

Male. Abdominal segment IX, in lateral view, with very pronounced sinuous extension of anteroventral margin and small apodemes from anterodorsal margin; posteroventral process moderately elongate, subacute apically. Tergum X membranous mesally, with sclerotized lateral lobes, each bearing pair of sensilla on subtriangular basolateral projection, apex of lobe with short, blunt projection. Preanal appendage short, rounded, knob-like. Inferior appendage, in lateral view, with relatively short and broad, apically rounded, dorsal process, ~ 2 × width of basal part of appendage, extending nearly straight on dorsal margin; as viewed ventrally or caudally, with dorsal process strongly and very angularly mesally flexed. Phallic apparatus with ventral margin of phallobase only weakly projecting; two phallic spines, subequal, moderately elongate; endotheca textured with small spines, also with sclerotic region with array of short spines and two more elongate spines. Phallotremal sclerite complex composed of elongate rod and ring structure and membranous structure with pair of associated wishbone-like sclerites apically.

Female. Unknown.

This new species is named for Mashpi Reserve, where this species was discovered, as a recognition of efforts to preserve the highly threatened Choco-Andean Tropical Forest.

The streams of the Amagusa and Mashpi Reserves at this elevation (1100–1200 m a.s.l.) have higher flows between February and April. These highly forested streams are usually step-pool channels, with average flows ranging between 0.049–0.056 m³/s. Conductivity is low, ranging from 35–88 µS/cm, oxygen is close to 100% saturation, and daytime water temperature ranges from 17–20 °C.

Holotype. Male (pinned). Ecuador: Pichincha: San José de Mashpi, Río Mashpi, 0.18954°N, 78.92117°W, 498 m a.s.l., 8.iii.2020, Ríos, Holzenthal, Frandsen, Amigo, UMSP000500813 (UMSP). Paratype. Ecuador: El Oro: 9 mi. S Santa Rosa [3.581°S, 79.932°W, uncertainty 13,558 m], 23.i.1955, E.I. Schlinger & E.S. Ross, 1 male (in alcohol) (CAS).

Chimarra pacifica is a new species in the Chimarra (Chimarra) beameri group of Blahnik (1998), very similar to both C. munozi Blahnik & Holzenthal, 1992 and C. dudosa Blahnik, 1998, resembling them in the general shape of the inferior appendages and spatulate lateral lobes of tergum X, and also in having an array of short spines associated with the phallotremal sclerite complex (Fig. 10E). It differs in that the apex of the inferior appendage has a short, but distinctive, protuberance from its ventral margin (Fig. 10A). Tergum X is also less strongly deflexed than in either of the compared species (Fig. 10A). The only other species of the beameri group currently reported from Ecuador is C. coheni Blahnik, 1998, which also has spatulate lateral lobes of tergum X, but differs in having a distinctly bifid apex of its inferior appendage and much longer phallic spines. The species also seems to lack the array of short spines associated with the phallotremal sclerite complex seen in the new species, but these are easily overlooked in specimens in which the endotheca is not everted.

Figure 10. 

Chimarra (Chimarra) pacifica sp. nov. Male genitalia A segments IX, X, lateral B segments IX, X, dorsal C inferior appendages, oblique lateral D inferior appendage, ventral E phallus, lateral.

Adult. Forewing length male 4.0–4.3 mm (n = 2). Color nearly uniformly brownish black (fuscous), except femora yellowish brown and head somewhat darker, with scattered whitish setae on vertex and anteromesal setal wart. Head relatively short and rounded, postocular parietal sclerite short (less than half diameter of eye). Second segment of maxillary palp stout and elongate, subequal to 3^rd, with stout apicomesal bristles, 5^th segment shorter than 3^rd. Male protarsal claws enlarged, asymmetrical in size and shape, outer claw longer and twisted.

Male. Abdominal segment IX, in lateral view, with well-developed anterodorsal apodemes, anteroventral margin distinctly extended, nearly linearly narrowing to dorsal apodemes, posterior margin weakly convex. Posteroventral process subtriangular, very large and prominent, length subequal to width at base. Tergum X membranous mesally, with sclerotized lateral lobes; lateral lobes, as viewed dorsally, spatulate in apical half, with two widely spaced sensilla near dorsal margin; as viewed laterally, turned down, with lateral crease in apical half. Preanal appendage short, rounded, knob-like, somewhat flattened as viewed dorsally. Inferior appendage, in lateral view, with rounded basal part and relatively narrow, moderately elongate; basal expansion weakly rounded to subtruncate, dorsal lobe with small tooth-like projection apicoventrally. Phallobase tubular, with basodorsal expansion, apicoventral margin only weakly projecting, two phallic spines, moderately elongate, subequal in length, endotheca apparently elongate, with small echinate spines. Phallotremal sclerite complex composed of rod and ring structure, rod short and curved and ring with prominent apicodorsal extension; apically with membranous structure subtending rod, anterior margin forming pair of weakly sclerotized, fishhook-like sclerites.

Female. Unknown.

This new species is named “pacifica,” referring to the localities where the species was collected, both on the Pacific slope of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Río Mashpi is a clear water river with base flow ~ 4 m³/s and with peak flows between March to May. Conductivity is low, ranging from 46–58.5 µS/cm, oxygen is close to 100% saturation, and daytime water temperature ranges from 20–23 °C year-round.

Holotype. Male (pinned). Ecuador: Carchi: small stream 1, road from Chilmá Bajo to Moldanado, 0.90574°N, 78.21870°W, 1669 m a.s.l., 15.ii.2017, Ríos-Touma, Holzenthal, Amigo, Huisman, UMSP000378196 (UMSP). Paratypes. Ecuador: Carchi: Río Blanco between El Goaltal and Las Juntas, 0.80433°N, 78.16975°W, 1258 m a.s.l., Holzenthal and Huisman, 1 male (pinned) (UMSP); Pichincha: Quebrada Amagusa, 0.15561°N, 78.85356°W, 1254 m a.s.l., 21.vii.2015, Rázuri, Morabowen, Hernández, 2 males (pinned) (MECN).

Chimarra amigo has a general similarity to other species of the Chimarra (Curgia) fernandezi group of Flint (1998). The group is characterized by the form of tergum X, with the dorsomesal part forming a projecting lobe, either entire or slightly notched apically, and with projecting ventrolateral lobes on either side, and particularly by having an enlarged and distinctly sclerotized phallotremal sclerite complex, varying in shape and complexity among the different species of the group. Chimarra amigo differs from other described species of the group by having the preanal appendages flattened and almost completely fused (Fig. 11A, B), much as in C. oztucoensis Flint & Reyes, 1991, which Flint (1998) placed in its own species group, largely because of having a tergum X that is deeply divided mesally. Chimarra amigo further differs from other species of the fernadezi group in the form of its inferior appendages, which are nearly subquadrate in lateral view, with the apicomesal projection very short and acute, not visible in lateral view (Fig. 11A). Also distinctive for this species is its elongate tubular endotheca, which is very sharply bent or elbowed (Fig. 11E).

Figure 11. 

Chimarra (Curgia) amigo sp. nov. Male genitalia A segments VIII–X, lateral B segments VIII–X, dorsal C inferior appendage, ventral D inferior appendage, dorsal E phallus, lateral.

Adult. Forewing length male 5.8–6.5 mm (n = 4); female 6.8 mm (n = 1). Head setae brownish black, slightly darker than wings. Wings brownish black, chord hyaline, distinct. Appendages dark brown. Pretarsal claws of male foreleg unmodified.

Male. Tergum VIII longer than sternum; dorsomesal margin projecting, entire; sternum VIII short ventrally, widening dorsally. Segment IX short dorsally, long ventrally, subtriangular in lateral view; anterolateral margin slightly concave, ventral margin produced; posterolateral margin angularly produced at level of inferior appendage; ventral process long, narrow, projecting, subacute apically; anteroventral margin concave mesally; dorsomesal margin broadly concave. Preanal appendage completely fused to tergum X represented by elevated patch of setae. Tergum X moderately long; divided into dorsal and ventrolateral lobes, dorsal lobe strongly rounded apicodorsally, apex laterally compressed, crest-like, ventrolateral lobes ~ 1/2 length of dorsal lobe, rounded apically; in dorsal view with apex of dorsal lobe shallowly cleft, ventrolateral lobes very narrow; apicomesally with numerous sensilla. Inferior appendage moderately long in lateral view, subquadrate; apex in ventral view abruptly narrowed, strongly inturned, forming short subapicomesal tooth-like projection. Endotheca elongate, tubular, with dorsomesal membranous projection when everted and inflated; endotheca strongly bent ventrad at dorsomesal projection; phallotremal sclerite forming large, complex, lightly sclerotized structure with single ventral and paired lateral blade-like sclerites, but much shorter than in other fernandezi group species.

Female. Unknown.

This species is named in honor of Xavier Amigo, one of the collectors of the new species. He has provided essential support as a member of our field expeditions in Ecuador and is the beloved husband of Blanca Ríos-Touma.

Holotype. Male (pinned). Ecuador: Orellana: river, road between Wawa Sumaco and Loreto [UV], 0.73632°S, 77.49507°W, 610 m a.s.l., 11.iii.2020, Ríos, Holzenthal, Frandsen, Pauls, Amigo, UMSP000501575 (UMSP). Paratypes. Ecuador: same data as holotype, 6 males (pinned) (UMSP), 5 males, 1 female (in alcohol) (MECN); Pastaza: small stream ca. 3.8 km (rd) SE Cuwitayo, 1.92251°S, 77.79459°W, 703 m a.s.l., Ríos, Holzenthal, Frandsen, Errigo, Amigo, 2 females (pinned) (UMSP).

This is a species in the Chimarra (Otarrha) patosa group, as defined by Blahnik (2002). Other species belonging to this group include C. amazonia Blahnik, 2002, C. parene Blahnik, 2002, C. parilis Blahnik, 2002, C. particeps Blahnik, 2002, C. patosa Ross, 1956, and C. peruana Blahnik, 2002. Like other members of the group, it has tine-like projections from the mesal margin of the inferior appendages. It is the 1^st member of the group known from Ecuador; all others in the group have known distributions confined to Peru. Like C. patosa and C. peruana, the new species has distinct, digitate projections from the posterior margin of tergum VIII; however, they are much shorter than in either of those species and the apical spines are very short and inconspicuous (Fig. 12A, B). Other distinctive aspects of the new species include additional spine-like projections from the inferior appendages, both basally and apically (Fig. 12C, D), and a single pair of very short phallic spines (Fig. 12E), much shorter and less conspicuous than those of other species in the group. Chimarra amazonia also has spine-like basal projections on the inferior appendages and, on this basis, as well as the presence of very short dorsal projections on tergum VIII, is the likely sister taxon of C. ramosa.

Figure 12. 

Chimarra (Otarrha) ramosa sp. nov. Male genitalia A segments VIII–X, lateral B segments VIII–X, dorsal C inferior appendage, segment IX, ventral D inferior appendage, dorsal E phallus, lateral.

The genitalia of the female of Chimarra (Otarrha) ramosa closely resemble those of C. parilis and C. particeps, particularly in that the ventral margin of segment VIII is somewhat produced and subtruncate, but has a distinct, shallow, U-shaped mesal invagination, bordered on either side by ventral setal warts composed of several elongate submarginal setae (Fig. 13A). It is most readily diagnosed by a very elongate V-shaped sclerite in the vaginal apparatus, most distinctly evident in ventral view (Fig. 13C).

Figure 13. 

Chimarra (Otarrha) ramosa sp. nov. Female genitalia A segments VII–X, lateral B segments IX, X, dorsal C segment IX, X, vaginal apparatus, ventral.

Adult. Forewing length male 3.9–4.3 mm (n = 5); female 4.7–5.0 mm (n = 2). Color nearly uniformly brownish black (fuscous). Chord of forewing hyaline, linear, indistinct. Palps short. Head relatively flat, moderately elongate (postocular parietal sclerite ca. half diameter of eye).

Male. Tergum VIII with pair of digitate projections from posterior margin, ca. as long as tergum, apices slightly dilated, with very short spines. Segment IX, in lateral view, with anterior margin nearly straight (slightly expanded in ventral half), segment longest ventrally, just above ventral process, posterior margin obliquely, nearly linearly, narrowed dorsally; posteroventral process relatively elongate (length more than 2 × width), nearly uniform in width, apex subtruncate, acute apicodorsally. Mesal lobe of tergum X (or posteromesal projection of tergum IX) very narrow and relatively short, less than half length of lateral lobes of tergum X, distinctly sclerotized, pre-apically with short, acute dorsal projection. Tergum X divided mesally, forming two sclerotized lateral lobes, narrowly separated to base; lateral lobes, as viewed laterally, each with apical invagination, extending nearly half length of segment and forming narrow, apically acute, dorsal and ventral lobes; dorsal lobe slightly shorter than ventral lobe and more strongly sclerotized, with scattered sensilla, except apically, beginning from base of lateral invagination, dorsally with three or four short setae; dorsal lobe with apex narrowed, strongly sclerotized, and distinctly downturned, ventral lobe rather weakly sclerotized, except apically, apex slightly upturned. Preanal appendage relatively large, flattened, ear-like. Inferior appendage elongate, narrow, mesally curved, tapering apically, apex inturned and acute; mesal surface with several tine-like projections: basal tine short and acute, spine-like, median tine very elongate, narrow, distinctly evident in lateral view, somewhat flexed or bent basally, pre-apical tine short and somewhat irregular in shape. Phallic apparatus with phallobase relatively short and tubular, with basodorsal expansion, distinctly ventrally flexed on ventral margin; endotheca with membranous, sack-like basodorsal lobe, lacking spines, apex of endotheca dilated, with two very short, closely apposed, subequal dorsal spines or sclerites. Phallotremal sclerite complex composed of moderately elongate rod and ring structure, with pair of short, weakly sclerotized, apicoventral sclerites.

Female. Segment VII with short, rounded ventral process near posterior margin. Segment VIII short, synscleritous; anterolateral margin very obtusely angular, with a weakly developed apodeme at ca. mid-height; posterior margin, as viewed laterally, with dorsal setal wart absent, lateral setae on a broadly rounded protrusion in ventral half, composed of marginal array of elongate setae; ventral margin of segment distinctly produced, in ventral view forming subtruncate projection with shallow posteromesal invagination, bordered on either side by ventral setal warts, each composed of more or less linear array of several elongate submarginal setae; dorsal margin of segment very short, but continuously sclerotized. Tergum IX short and very wide, with short, ventrally projecting, anterolateral apodemes; posterior margin with rounded mesal projection bearing cluster of short setae; sternum IX absent or not evident. Tergum X forming pair of subdivided lobes, each with short apical cercus; basal part of lobe large, distinctly sclerotized, and setose; apical part of lobe more weakly sclerotized, with ventromesal tract of short setae. Vaginal apparatus short, with distinct anteromesal cup-like sclerite and longitudinal anterior sclerites, including very elongate, narrowly V-shaped, posteromesal sclerite.

From the Latin ramus, meaning branches or antlers, and referring to the very branched inferior appendages of the male genitalia.

The small stream in Pastaza where paratypes were collected had a flow of 0.05 m³/s, a specific conductivity of 60 µS/cm, oxygen saturation was 90.7%, and daytime water temperature was 23.2 °C at the time of collection.

Holotype. Male (pinned). Ecuador: Napo: Wildsumaco Lodge, small stream, Coati Trail @ wooden bridge, 0.67433°S, 77.60260°W, 1420 m a.s.l., 10.iii.2020, Ríos, Holzenthal, Frandsen, Pauls, Amigo, UMSP000500642 (UMSP). Paratype. Ecuador: same data as holotype, 1 male (pinned) (MECN).

Wormaldia natalis is undoubtedly most closely related to W. aymara Muñoz-Quesada & Holzenthal, 2015, described from Bolivia and resembling it in several respects, but particularly in the short, broad posteromesal projections from the posterior margin of tergum VIII (Fig. 14A, B) and the strongly tapering apical segment of the inferior appendage (Fig. 14A). However, it differs in the shorter, more basally inflated preanal appendages (Fig. 14B), less angular projection of segment IX below the inferior appendages (Fig. 14A), details of the apex and shape of the lateral projections of tergum X (Fig. 14A, B), development of the apical segment of the inferior appendages, and in having a longer phallic spine (Fig. 14D). Additionally, the two short projections from the posterior margin of tergum VIII have a more V-shaped than U-shaped basal separation (Fig. 14B).

Figure 14. 

Wormaldia natalis sp. nov. Male genitalia A segments VIII–X, lateral B segments VIII–X, dorsal C segments VIII, IX, inferior appendage, ventral D phallus, lateral, detail: endothecal spines.

Adult. Forewing length male 5.2 mm (n = 1). Head brown, with yellowish setae. Antenna with overall color yellowish, indistinctly annulated with light brown, somewhat flattened setae. Palps very short, with dark brown setae. Dorsum of thorax brown. Legs medium brown, spurs slightly darker; hind tibiae with sparse brush of long setae. Forewing covered with dark brown setae; apical forks I, II, III, IV, and V present. Hind wing translucent, with very fine, small, brown setae; apical forks I, II, III, and V present.

Male. Segment VIII slightly shorter than segment IX, tergum with pair of short, diverging, subtruncate posteromesal projections. Segment IX, as viewed laterally, with anterior margin weakly angularly produced at ca. mid-height, posterior margin nearly linear, angularly narrowing just below preanal appendage, dorsal margin, as viewed dorsally, very short, with short projecting anterolateral apodemes. Segment X, in lateral view, elongate narrow, somewhat down-curved, apex with short, angular apicodorsal projection, sensilla confined to apex; as viewed dorsally, elongate, tapering, subtriangular, apex subacute, with scattered sensilla, apex continuous laterally with short, diverging, rounded projections, each with several sensilla. Preanal appendage elongate, irregular in shape, with distinct basodorsal expansion, narrowing apically. Inferior appendage bi-segmented, both segments tapering from base to apex, basal segment very wide basally, ca. half height of segment IX, apical segment with apex subacute and slightly down-turned; as viewed ventrally, with basal segment bulbous, ~ 2 × width of apical segment, apical segment with dense apicomesal pad of short spines. Phallus, when viewed laterally, with phallobase very short, with basodorsal expansion, weakly sclerotized, tapering apically, endotheca with two spines, one short and strongly curved, the other elongate, narrow, more sinuously curved.

Female. Unknown.

From the Latin natalis, meaning birthday in reference to the date when the species was collected, March 10^th, the shared birthday of collectors Frandsen and Holzenthal.

Holotype. Male (pinned). Ecuador: Napo: Wildsumaco Lodge, small stream, Coati Trail @ wooden bridge, 0.67433°S, 77.60260°W, 1420 m a.s.l., 10.iii.2020, Ríos, Holzenthal, Frandsen, Pauls, Amigo, UMSP000500644 (UMSP).

Among Neotropical species of Wormaldia, this species is unusual in several respects and more closely resembles several North American species (Muñoz-Quesada and Holzenthal 2008) than others from the Neotropical region (Muñoz-Quesada and Holzenthal 2015). Particularly unusual is the well-developed ventral projection from sternum VII (Fig. 15A, B), along with the relatively simple tergum X (Fig. 15A, C), absence of dorsal modifications on tergum VIII, and the rather simple, digitate preanal appendages (Fig. 15A, B). The phallus lacks the pair of spines typical of Neotropical species and instead has a tract of granular short spines (Fig. 15D), more typical of some North American species. Additionally, the phallus is less membranous and tapered apically than most Neotropical Wormaldia, more resembling that of other philopotamid genera (e.g., Chimarra). Finally, the species lacks R2 in the hind wing and thus fork I (Fig. 16B). In this respect it resembles W. gabriella (Banks, 1930), W. lacerna Denning, 1958, W. shawnee (Ross, 1938), and W. strota (Ross, 1938) in the North American fauna, which also lack the fork I in the forewing.

Figure 15. 

Wormaldia sumaco sp. nov. Male genitalia A segments VII–X, lateral B segments VII–IX, inferior appendage, ventral C segments VIII–X, dorsal (segment VIII offset for clarity) D phallus, lateral.

Figure 16. 

Wormaldia sumaco sp. nov. Male wings A forewing B hind wing.

Adult. Forewing length male 5.2 mm (n = 1). Head brown, with yellowish setae. Antenna with underlying color yellowish, overlaid with dark brown, somewhat flattened setae, giving antennae an overall dark, but somewhat annulated appearance. Maxillary palps yellowish, with light brown setae. Labial palps yellowish, with light brown setae. Dorsum of thorax brown. Legs medium brown, spurs slightly darker; hind tibiae with rather dense brush of long setae. Forewing with medium brown setae for the most part, except base, apical third, and small spot at base of thyridial cell darker; apical forks I, II, III, IV, and V present. Hind wing translucent, with very few fine, small, brown setae; apical forks II, III, and V present.

Male. Sternum VII with flattened, digitate, setose, posteromesal process projecting beyond middle of segment VIII; as viewed ventrally, with process subtriangular, wide basally, subacute apically, set off from segment VII by sclerotized line. Segment VIII moderate in length, both sternum and tergum unmodified. Segment IX lightly sclerotized, with evident sclerotized lines anteriorly and posteriorly, lines connected mid-laterally, converging ventrally; as viewed laterally, segment relatively short, with both anterior and posterior margins moderately, angularly projecting at ca. mid-height. Segment X, in dorsal view, simple in structure, subtriangular, wide basally, narrowed apically, apex rounded, slightly upturned, with numerous sensilla. Preanal appendage elongate, digitate; as viewed dorsally, widely separated, emerging at lateral margins of tergum X, not fused basally. Inferior appendage bi-segmented, segments subequal in length; when viewed laterally, basal segment stout, subrectangular, distinctly wider than apical segment, apical segment nearly uniform in width, slightly expanded and rounded apically; as viewed ventrally, with basal segment bulbous, apical segment much narrower and flatter, with dense patch of short spine-like setae apically, extending basally on ventral margin. Phallus, when viewed laterally, with basodorsal expansion, phallobase relatively short, uniform in width, endotheca with indistinct patch of short, granular spines.

Female. Unknown.

Named for Volcán Sumaco, an isolated stratovolcano in the Ecuadorian Amazon, where this species was discovered.

Sumacodella elongata, Wormaldia natalis, and Wormaldia sumaco share the same type locality. Small permanent forest streams, similar to the type locality of these species, are common on the mid-elevation slopes of Volcán Sumaco. Leaflitter is abundant and waters are clear with very low conductivity (20–55 µS/cm), highly oxygen saturated (close to 100%), and warm (17–20 °C).