The Megophthalmidia (Diptera, Mycetophilidae) of North America including eight new species

Abstract Megophthalmidia Dziedzicki is a small leiine genus (Mycetophilidae) with seven species described from the Neotropics and ten species from the Palearctic region. Two species of Megophthalmidia have been reported for North America. Recent collecting of Mycetophilidae in California and Arizona, however, shows current North American diversity of Megophthalmidia is at least on par to other regions of the world. Eight new species of Megophthalmidia are described here, increasing the number of Nearctic Megophthalmidia species to nine. Included is a particularly atypical member of the genus, M. saskia sp. n., which expands the genus concept of Megophthalmidia. Of the two species previously recorded for North America, only one actually belongs in the genus. Megophthalmidia occidentalis Johannsen, is fully described and illustrated. The other named species, M. marceda (Sherman) is illustrated and transferred to the genus Ectrepesthoneura Enderlein. A lectotype is designated for this species. A key to the species of Megophthalmidia of North America is provided. The biology of these flies is not yet known. Three of the new Megophthalmidia species – M. lenimenta, M. misericordia, and M. radiata – are only known to occur within small protected areas within the California State Park and UC Natural Reserve systems.


Introduction
Megophthalmidia Dziedzicki is a small leiine genus (Mycetophilidae) with seven species described from the Neotropics and ten species from the Palearctic region (Bechev 1999;Chandler et al. 2006). Two species of Megophthalmidia Dziedzicki have been reported to occur in North America, however both remain very poorly characterized. The description of M. occidentalis Johannsen, 1909, originally from Washington State, is a footnote -literallyconsisting of a little more than one line of text (Johannsen 1909). For many years, this was the only Megophthalmidia species known to occur in North America and as a consequence, Megophthalmidia specimens captured in USA and Canada were reflexively identified as M. occidentalis (similar to the case of Acomoptera plexipus (Garrett) (Kerr 2011)). The other Neactic species ascribed to the genus, M. marceda (Sherman, 1921), was considered a member of Tetragoneura Winnertz until Coher transferred it more than 75 years later (Coher 1999). Unfortunately, neither species has been treated in depth and the only available descriptions and illustrations are wholly inadequate for their proper identification. In light of this, and the discovery of additional species in our region, the diagnostic features of North American Megophthalmidia are figured and compared. A key to the species is also provided.
In the Nearctic, commonly found members of Megophthalmidia and Aphrastomyia Coher & Lane are regularly confused for one another on account of their very similar body form and wing venation. The chapter on Mycetophilidae in the Nearctic Manual  doesn't particularly help clarify the genera in this regard, since at the beginning of the key, Aphrastomyia is separated by a character state that is also present in species of Megophthalmidia (viz., fine tibial setae arranged in regular longitudinal rows). Despite their similarities, Megophthalmidia and Aphrastomyia are currently not considered sister taxa. Oliveira (2013) recently treated the Leiinae and in her study, Aphrastomyia and the monotypic Afrotropical genus, Mohelia Matile, were recovered together. Megophthalmidia, in turn, was recovered as sister to these genera (Megophthalmidia + (Aphrastomyia + Mohelia)) (Oliveira 2013). These results are consistent with the intuitive hypotheses of relationship for this group presented by Matile (1978) and Jaschhof and Kallweit (2004).
Included in the new material from California is a new species that retains affinities to both Megophthalmidia and Mohelia. The recognition of this new species has implications for current generic concepts and may possibly alter our understanding of the history and relationships between lineages related to and including Megophthalmidia.
This paper presents new species of Megophthalmidia found in the Nearctic Region and discusses the limits of the genus, in its current form, in North America. A phylogenetic treatment of this genus and its nearest relatives worldwide is outside the scope of this paper, but the subject of ongoing research as additional material is accumulated.
-Apical epandrial lobes at apex as wide as midpoint width, oriented in downward in line with rest of lobe (Figs 3,23); posterior margin of epandrium with strong medial notch (Figs 4,24 Aedeagal process with upward recurved tine (Figs 8,10), dorsomedial surface of epandrium less than half epandrial length (Fig. 4) .........M. browni sp. n. -Aedeagal process without upward recurved tine (Figs 28,30), dorsomedial surface of epandrium at least half of epandrial length (Fig. 24) ........ M. lenimenta sp. n. 6 Surface of apical epandrial lobe setose (Fig. 43)  Apical epandrial lobes thickened at base (Figs 73,74); short tine of adeagal fork much thinner than long tine, pointed upward (Fig. 79)  Diagnosis. Megophthalmidia browni sp. n. is most similar to M. lenimenta sp. n. having epandria that have a medial furrow and central notch, with slender apical processes. In M. browni, the apical epandrial processes are longer (Fig. 2) than in M. lenimenta (Fig. 22), but differences between the species are more obvious in the aedeagal morphology. Megophthalmidia browni bears a recurved aedeagal fork (Fig.  8) whereas in M. lenimenta, this structure is lacking (Fig. 28). Megophthalmidia browni may be distinguished from M. ignea and M. perignea by the shape of the apical epandrial processes (narrow elongate, as opposed to shortened) and from M. mckibbeni by the distinctive invagination of the apical epandrial processes at their base and the presence of a dorsally-reflexed bifurcation of the aedeagal fork (absent in M. mckibbeni). The aedeagal complex of M. browni displays bifurcating tines of approximately the same width, in which the shorter fork is directed anteriorly (Fig. 8 Coloration (Fig. 1). Head dark brown; antennal scape dark brown, pedicel brown or bearing some cream-color or pale yellow, and flagellomeres brown; face dark brown, clypeus and labrum brown to dark brown; palps and labellum cream-colored to pale yellow (palpomeres 1 and 2 usually slightly darker than others, palpomere 2 with light patch where sensilla present). Thorax brown to dark brown throughout, except at the anterolateral margin of the dorsum and dorsal pronotal area, where it is cream-colored or pale yellow; scutum setae golden brown to dark brown. Coxae clearly lighter in color than thorax, cream-colored to pale yellow; femora creamcolored to light brown throughout (except sometimes slightly brown at dorsal apex); tibiae and tarsi cream-colored to pale yellow, with densely-arranged dark brown setae; hind tibial comb yellowish, preceded by 0-3 (usually 3) dark brown setae. Wing hyaline without markings, wing veins brown; haltere stem and knob white to cream-colored. Abdominal segments light brown to brown, darker laterally. Terminalia light brown to brown.  Head. Ocelli slightly raised, median ocellus in line with anterior margin of lateral ocelli, median ocellus approx. 0.5× size of lateral ocelli; lateral ocellus located approx. 2× diameter of ocellus from eye margin, separated from median ocellus by approx. 2.3-2.8× its own diameter. Eyes with microsetae, which are approximately as long as width of facet. Frons microtrichose, without setae, flattened. Antennal length 1.4-1.6, 1.5 [1.6] mm (n=3). Face clearly longer than wide, setose; clypeus and labrum microtrichose, without setae. Palpus with four palpomeres; palpomere 1 oblong, without setae; other palpomeres with brown setae; palpomere 2 bearing small pocket of sensilla; palpomere 1 length longer than or subequal in length to palpomere 2; palpomere 3 length shorter than combined length of palpomeres 1 and 2; palpomere 4 subequal in length to combined length of palpomeres 2 and 3.
Thorax. Dorsum with evenly-distributed, short, appressed setae, bearing longer setae only along lateral and posterior margins. Antepronotum, proepisternum, and laterotergite bearing setae; remaining lateral thoracic sclerites bare. Costal wing vein extends beyond R 5 , approx. two-thirds distance between R 5 and M 1 ; R 1 approximately the same length as r-m or slightly longer; cubital fork proximad of r-m base (as in M. occidentalis, Fig. 52); R 1 , M 1 , M 2 , CuA 1 , and CuA 2 with setae on upper surface (lacking setae on M 1 + M 2 ). Wing veins A1 and CuP absent.
Female unknown. Etymology. The species epithet "browni" is a noun in the genitive case, named in honor of Brian V. Brown, friend, colleague, mentor, and Curator, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
Paratypes (all bearing a blue paratype label): ♂, "USA: CA: Los Angeles Co., 13kmNW Wrightwood, Largo Vista Rd., 34°25.32'N, 117°46.06'W; elev. 6516', 21-28.v.2005 Diagnosis. Megophthalmidia ignea sp. n. may be confused with Nearctic congeners that also have a brown thorax contrasting against cream-colored tibia. Among these, it is similar to M. browni sp. n. and M. mckibbeni sp. n. but may be distinguished from these species by the shape and setation of the apical epandrial processes (Figs 12,13); shortened and bare, as opposed to elongate in M. browni and setose in M. mckibbeni). Among congeners, however, it most resembles M. perignea, even in the general shape of the aedeagal complex. Most characteristically, the short aedeagal tine of M. ignea is very thick at its base, distinguishing itself from its sister taxon (Fig. 19). Also, in M. ignea, the apical epandrial processes are longer and more slender (Figs 12,13) than in M. perignea (Figs 63, 64).
Coloration (Fig. 11). Head dark brown; antennal scape dark brown, pedicel and flagellomeres brown; face dark brown, clypeus and labrum brown to dark brown; palps and labellum cream-colored to pale yellow (palpomeres 1-3 usually slightly darker than others, palpomere 2 with light patch where sensilla present). Thorax brown to dark brown throughout, except at the anterolateral margin of the dorsum and dorsal apronotal area, where it may be narrowly cream-colored or pale yellow; scutum setae golden brown to dark brown. Coxae clearly lighter in color than thorax, cream-colored to pale yellow; femora cream-colored to light brown throughout (sometimes slightly brown at dorsal apex), dark brown at apical margin; tibiae and tarsi cream-colored to pale yellow, with densely-arranged dark brown setae; hind tibial comb yellowish,  preceded by 0-3 (usually 3) dark brown setae. Wing hyaline without markings, wing veins brown; haltere stem and knob white to cream-colored. Abdominal segments concolorous brown. Terminalia light brown to brown.
Thorax. Dorsum with evenly-distributed, short, appressed setae, bearing longer setae only along lateral and posterior margins. Antepronotum, proepisternum, and laterotergite bearing setae; remaining lateral thoracic sclerites bare. Costal wing vein extends beyond R 5 , approx. three-fifths distance between R 5 and M 1 ; R 1 approximately the same length as r-m or slightly longer; cubital fork below or proximad of r-m base (as in M. occidentalis, Fig. 52); R 1 , M 1 , M 2 , CuA 1 , and CuA 2 with setae on upper surface (lacking setae on M 1 + M 2 ). Wing veins A1 and CuP absent.
Female unknown. Etymology. The species epithet "ignea" is an adjective, derived for the Latin word for "fiery" in reference to the typical chaparral habitat of this species, whose ecology is shaped by fire. Diagnosis. Megophthalmidia lenimenta sp. n. may be confused with several Nearctic congeners that also have a brown thorax. Among these, it is probably most similar to M. browni sp. n. on account of both species having epandria with a medial notch along the posterior margin, a medial depression, and elongated posterior processes. In M. lenimenta, one aedeagal tine is very reduced/undeveloped, only slightly longer than wide ( Fig. 29; whereas in M. browni both tines are many times longer than wide ( Fig.  9)). Among other Nearctic congeners with elongate posterior epandrial processes, including M. browni, M. lenimenta is also distinguished by having length of dorsomedial epandrial surface at least half the length of epandrium (Fig. 24).
Coloration (Fig. 21). Male. Head dark brown; antennal scape brown or dark brown, pedicel and flagellomeres brown; face dark brown, clypeus and labrum brown to dark brown; palps and labellum cream-colored to pale yellow (palpomeres 1-3 usually slightly darker than others, palpomere 2 with light patch where sensilla present). Thorax brown to dark brown throughout; scutum setae brown. Coxae lighter in color than thorax, creamcolored to light brown, sometimes with area at base somewhat darker in color, fore coxa slightly lighter in color than mid-and hind coxa; femora cream colored to light brown, becoming gradually darker dorsoapically on mid-and hind femora; tibiae light brown, tarsi light brown to brown; hind tibial comb yellowish, preceded by 0-3 (usually 3) dark brown setae. Wing hyaline without markings, wing veins brown; haltere stem and knob white to cream-colored. Abdominal segments concolorous brown to dark brown. Terminalia brown.
Head and thorax. Same as male, except palpomere 4 appx. length of palpomeres 1-3.   Diagnosis. Megophthalmidia mckibbeni sp. n. is separated from its apparent closest relative, M. occidentalis, by the brown coloration of its thorax and abdomen (Fig.  31) and the shape of the aedeagal complex (Figs 38-40). It is distinguished from other Nearctic Megophthalmidia by the morphology of its male reproductive structures, particularly the aedeagal fork, which bears a short recurved ventral hook (Figs 38, 40), and the posterior process of the epandrium, whose apex is swollen (wider than midpoint width), broadly rounded, and curved abaxially (Fig. 33) Coloration (Fig. 31). Head dark brown; antennal scape, pedicel, and flagellomeres brown; face dark brown, clypeus and labrum brown; palps and labellum cream-colored to pale yellow (palpomere 2 usually slightly darker than others). Thorax brown to dark brown throughout; scutum setae brown. Coxae cream-colored to pale yellow, femora becoming gradually darker dorsoapically, tibiae light brown to brown (hind tibia darkest), tarsi brown; hind tibial comb yellowish, preceded by 0-3 (usually 3) dark brown setae. Wing hyaline without markings, wing veins brown; haltere stem and knob cream-colored to pale yellow. Abdominal segments concolorous brown to dark brown, except sternites 1-3 usually paler light brown to brown. Terminalia brown to dark brown.
Thorax. Dorsum with evenly-distributed, short, appressed setae, bearing longer setae only along lateral and posterior margins. Antepronotum, proepisternum, and laterotergite bearing setae; remaining lateral thoracic sclerites bare. Costal wing vein extends beyond R 5 , one-half to approx. two-thirds distance between R 5 and M 1 ; R 1 approximately the same length as r-m; cubital fork proximad of r-m base (as in M. occidentalis, Fig. 52); R 1 , M 1 , M 2 , CuA 1 , and CuA 2 with setae on upper surface (lacking setae on M 1 + M 2 ). Wing veins A1 and CuP absent.
Male genitalia (Figs 32-40). Epandrium dorsal surface flat or nearly so, with or without setae medially, posterior broadly but shallowly emarginate at center (Fig. 34). Posterior processes of epandrium greater than 7× longer than wide, separated at base by approx. 2× width of process, length of setae at base of epandrial processes ~1× width of process; apex of posterior process swollen (wider than midpoint width), broadly rounded, and curved abaxially (Figs 33). Gonocoxites as in Figs 35-37. Aedeagal fork with short recurved hook, bearing subtending process approx. 1/2 length of base to tip of hook (Fig. 38).
Etymology. The species epithet "mckibbeni" is given to this species in honor of William Earnest "Bill" McKibben, noted author, environmental activist, and founder of 350.org. The magnificent diversity of life on our planet depends on a stable climate, which is now under grave threat. There are solutions, but they require the wisdom, persistence, and activism that Bill McKibben exemplifies. Diagnosis. Megophthalmidia misericordia sp. n. may be confused with Nearctic congeners that also have a brown thorax and short and broad (stout) apical epandrial processes. Among these, it is most similar to M. ignea and M. perignea but may be distinguished from these species by having setose apical epandrial processes (not bare; Fig. 43) and narrow, elongate bifurcations of the aedeagal fork (Fig. 49). The narrow, elongate bifurcations of the aedeagal fork in M. misericordia are similar to those found in M. browni, but M. misericordia is distinguished by having stout apical epandrial processes (not elongate). Megophthalmidia radiata also has stout apical epandrial processes, but these are much broader at their base than in M. misericordia.

Megophthalmidia misericordia
Description Coloration (Fig. 41). Head dark brown; antennal scape dark brown, pedicel and flagellomeres brown; face dark brown, clypeus and labrum brown to dark brown; palps and labellum cream-colored to pale yellow (palpomeres 1 and 2 usually slightly darker than others, palpomere 2 with light patch where sensilla present). Thorax brown to dark brown throughout; scutum setae brown. Coxae lighter in color than thorax, brown; femora light brown to brown, becoming gradually darker dorsoapically; tibiae light brown to brown (hind tibia darkest), hind tibial comb dark brown, tarsi light brown to brown. Wing hyaline without markings, wing veins brown; haltere stem and knob white to cream-colored. Abdominal segments concolorous brown to dark brown. Terminalia brown.
Thorax. Dorsum with evenly-distributed, short, appressed setae, bearing longer setae only along lateral and posterior margins. Antepronotum, proepisternum, and laterotergite bearing setae; remaining lateral thoracic sclerites bare. Costal wing vein extends beyond R 5 , approx. two-thirds distance between R 5 and M 1 ; R 1 approximately the same length as r-m; cubital fork proximad of r-m base (as in M. occidentalis, Fig.   Figures 42-44 Male genitalia (Figs 42-50). Epandrium dorsal surface flat or nearly so, without setae medially, posterior margin narrowly emarginate at center (Fig. 44). Posterior processes of epandrium relatively wide, approx. 2.5× longer than wide, separated at base by approx. 0.5× width of process, length of setae at base of epandrial processes less than 0.5× width of process; apex of posterior process angled to dull point (Figs 43). Gonocoxites as in Figs 45-47. Aedeagal fork bifurcated into elongated tines of similar width; shorter tine broadly-curving upward and back, longer tine s-shaped (Figs 48-50).
Female unknown. Etymology. The species epithet "misericordia" is a noun in apposition, derived from the Latin word for pity/mercy. The species is known only from Annadel State Park, one of 70 California state parks that were scheduled to close in 2012 by California Governor Jerry Brown. Local support has kept this park in operation, but its economic foundation remains uncertain.
Thorax. Dorsum with evenly-distributed, short, appressed setae, bearing longer setae only along lateral and posterior margins. Antepronotum, proepisternum, and laterotergite bearing setae; remaining lateral thoracic sclerites bare. Costal wing vein extends beyond R 5 , one-half to approx. two-thirds distance between R 5 and M 1 ; R 1 approximately the same length as r-m; cubital fork proximad of r-m base (Fig. 52); R 1 , M 1 , M 2 , CuA 1 , and CuA 2 with setae on upper surface (lacking setae on M 1 + M 2 ). Wing veins A1 and CuP absent. Male genitalia (Figs 53-61). Epandrium dorsal surface flat or nearly so, with or without setae medially, posterior broadly but shallowly emarginate at center (Fig. 55). Posterior processes of epandrium greater than 7× longer than wide, separated at base by approx. 3× width of process, length of setae at base of epandrial processes ~2× width of process (Figs 54). Gonocoxites as in Figs 56-58. Aedeagal fork with short recurved hook, bearing subtending process approx. 1/3 length of base to tip of hook (Fig. 59).
Coloration (Fig. 51). Same as male, except generally lighter at apex of abdomen.
Head and thorax. Same as male, except antenna length shorter; 0.6-0.8, 0.7 mm (n=10). Discussion. Where sympatric, M. occidentalis and M. mckibbeni demonstrate clear color differences of both males and females that make distinguishing them in the field routine (Figs 31, 51). Interestingly, the male genitalia of these two species are remarkably similar however -to the point where additional study was necessary to make sure that they aren't simply color morphs of the same species. This wouldn't be expected, given that both sexes of each type are found in sympatry, but it was still worth considering. As a test in a 'double-blind' format, I examined dozens of dissected and disassociated male genitalia from both M. mckibbeni and M. occidentalis throughout their respective geographic ranges, to see if differences in the structure of the male genitalia are consistent with the more obvious, non-genitalic differences between these species, such as body color. It was found that the genitalia of these two species do exhibit consistent morphological differences, in addition to differences of body color, and this test corroborated a separate species hypothesis for each (i.e., they can be distinguished reliably by their genitalia alone). If specimens are not critically-point dried, however, specimens of M. occidentalis tend to darken to an orange-brown color and in Southern California, I have seen a male M. occidentalis that retains a similar body color to M. mckibbeni [#12K748], so specific morphology of the male terminalia remains the more reliable arbiter for proper species recognition. The original holotype of M. occidentalis has darkened somewhat, but is consistent with Fig. 51. Diagnosis. Like its putative sister taxon, M. ignea, M. perignea sp. n. is superficially similar to M. browni and M. mckibbeni sp. n. because of its brown thorax and contrasting cream-colored tibia, but may be separated from these taxa by its shortened and bare apical epandrial processes (Figs 63, 64). Megophthalmidia perignea is similar to M. ignea in nearly all aspects except in relatively subtle features of the male genitalia. At its base, the short aedeagal tine of M. perignea has approximately the diameter as the long aedeagal tine. Also, in M. perignea, the apical epandrial processes are shorter, wider, and turned inward more than in M. ignea.
Coloration (Fig. 62). Head dark brown; antennal scape, pedicel, and flagellomeres brown; face dark brown, clypeus and labrum brown to dark brown; palps and labellum cream-colored to pale yellow (palpomeres 1-3 usually slightly darker than others, palpomere 2 with light patch where sensilla present). Thorax brown to dark brown throughout, except at the anterolateral margin of the dorsum and dorsal apronotal area, where it may be narrowly cream-colored or pale yellow; scutum setae golden brown to dark brown. Coxae clearly lighter in color than thorax, cream-colored to pale yellow; femora cream-colored throughout, dark brown at apical margin; tibiae and tarsi creamcolored to pale yellow, with densely-arranged dark brown setae; hind tibial comb yellowish, preceded by 0-3 (usually 3) dark brown setae. Wing hyaline without markings, wing veins brown; haltere stem and knob white to cream-colored. Abdominal segments concolorous brown. Terminalia light brown to brown.
Thorax. Dorsum with evenly-distributed, short, appressed setae, bearing longer setae only along lateral and posterior margins. Antepronotum, proepisternum, and laterotergite bearing setae; remaining lateral thoracic sclerites bare. Costal wing vein extends beyond R 5 , approx. three-fifths distance between R 5 and M 1 ; R 1 approximately the same length as r-m or slightly longer; cubital fork below or proximad of r-m base (as in M. occidentalis, Fig. 52); R 1 , M 1 , M 2 , CuA 1 , and CuA 2 with setae on upper surface (lacking setae on M 1 + M 2 ). Wing veins A1 and CuP absent.
Coloration (Fig. 62). Same as male; cerci light brown to brown. Head and thorax. Same as male, except antenna length shorter. Etymology. The species epithet "perignea" is an adjective, derived for the Latin word for "near fiery" in reference to the distribution of this species, relative to that of its sister taxon, M. ignea sp. n. Diagnosis. Megophthalmidia radiata sp. n. may be confused with several Nearctic congeners that also have a brown thorax. Among these, it is most similar to M. ignea, M. perignea, and M. misericordia on account of having broad posterior epandrial processes. Megophthalmidia radiata has thicker posterior epandrial processes at their base than any of its congeners, including M. ignea and M. misericordia however, a character which is especially noticeable in lateral view (Fig. 73). The posterior epandrial processes are also very narrowly separated at their base (Fig. 74). The form of the adeagal complex is also diagnostic for this species (Figs 79-81).
Coloration (Fig. 72). Male. Head dark brown; antennal scape, pedicel and flagellomeres brown to dark brown; face dark brown, clypeus and labrum brown to dark brown; palps and labellum cream-colored, pale yellow, to light brown (palpomeres 1-3 usually slightly darker than others, palpomere 2 with light patch where sensilla present). Thorax brown to dark brown throughout; scutum setae brown. Coxae nearly the same or lighter in color as thorax, light brown to brown, fore coxa same color as mid-and hind coxa; femora, tibia, and tarsi light brown to brown; hind tibial comb yellowish, preceded by 0-3 (usually 3) dark brown setae. Wing hyaline without markings, wing veins brown; haltere stem and knob cream-colored. Abdominal segments concolorous brown to dark brown. Terminalia brown.
Thorax. Dorsum with evenly-distributed, short, appressed setae, bearing longer setae only along lateral and posterior margins. Antepronotum, proepisternum, and laterotergite bearing setae; remaining lateral thoracic sclerites bare. Costal wing vein extends beyond R 5 , approx. two-thirds distance between R 5 and M 1 ; R 1 approximately the same length as r-m or slightly longer; cubital fork below, slightly proximad or slightly distad of r-m base; R 1 , M 1 , M 2 , CuA 1 , and CuA 2 with setae on upper surface (lacking setae on M 1 + M 2 ). Wing veins A1 and CuP absent.
Head and thorax. Same as male, except antenna length shorter. Etymology. The species epithet "radiata" is a noun in apposition, due to the proximity of this species to Pinus radiata (Monterey Pine [red label]. Deposited in CSCA, complete specimen in excellent condition, mounted on gray point (Fig. 82). See Fig. 107  in Fig. 83; costal vein extends beyond R 5 , approx. two-thirds distance between R 5 and M 1 ; R 1 , M 1 , M 2 , CuA 1 , and CuA 2 with setae on upper surface (lacking setae on M 1 + M 2 ). CuA 1 usually reaching wing margin (Fig. 83 shows irregularity in this respect). Wing vein A1 absent, CuP present as prominent fold with at least some apparent brown coloration (sclerotization).
Coloration (Fig. 82). Same as male; cerci light brown to brown. Etymology. The species name "saskia," a noun in apposition, is given in honor of my daughter, Saskia Ana Kerr, born April 20, 2013. Just as Saskia is to our family, M. saskia is a special addition to this group.
Discussion. The male terminalia of M. saskia is unlike any other Megophthalmidia species in North America. Furthermore, M. saskia shares a number of characters with Mohelia and Aphrastomyia that until now, have not been observed in Megophthalmidia. These characters include wing vein CuP present and frons bearing setae. As such, M. saskia may be an important entity for understanding character evolution across the group containing Megophthalmidia, Mohelia, and Aphrastomyia. Megophthalmidia found elsewhere (e.g., M. crassicornis (Curtis) of Europe and M. divergens Edwards of the neotropics) show a degree of variation that implicitly defines the genus as a dumping ground of putatively related species that are not Aphrastomyia. Mohelia is also related, but its status is poorly understood and representative specimens were not available for this study. While M. saskia clearly represents a distinct evolutionary divergence, it is premature to construct additional genus-level concepts until the entire group is studied in detail, within a broader phylogenetic and biogeographic context. Such work is in development and ongoing.
Paralectotypes [CNC; all specimens include additional Sherman and Garrett labels similar to that of the lectotype except specimen # 573 which lacks Garrett label