Asphaleia Mokrousov, 2025

Genus Asphaleia Mokrousov , gen. nov.

http://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:A967374C-1480-4A5C-9015-80E687B05CE3

Diagnosis. Distance between antennal socket and clypeus approximately equal to diameter of antennal socket or slightly longer; occipital carina dorsally more or less evenly rounded ( Fig. 11 View FIGURES 8–13 ); mouthparts not large, prementum shorter than stipes, stipes near parallel sided ( Fig. 32 View FIGURES 32–33 ); foreleg pulvillus in female present; T6 (in females) and T7 (in males) bear a large basal triangular platform with rectangular or somewhat pointed tip in lateral view; mid- and hind tibiae and tarsi with outer row of long dense setae ( Fig. 21 View FIGURES 18–23 ); setation on face, clypeus, and lateral parts of mesonotum very dense. Male: F2–F3 without incision ( Fig. 13 View FIGURES 8–13 ), antenna not clavate; S6 with lateral spine ( Figs 14–16 View FIGURES 14–17 ); S6–S8 without dense long setae; genitalia conspicuously modified ( Fig. 17 View FIGURES 14–17 ), parameres widening basally, forming capsule, penial valves asymmetrical, one being shorter than other, valves longitudinally expanded and slightly twisted spirally, forming tubular structure; parameral apex sclerotized, coloured ( Fig. 16 View FIGURES 14–17 ). Genital capsule very large, clamped by apical metasomal sclerites, and apparently only the highly modified penis participates in copulation.

Type species. Asphaleia gussakovskii Mokrousov , sp. nov.

Etymology. The generic epithet derives from the Greek word Ασφάλεια—security from enemies and dangers, safety, as opposed to the Greek name of Laphyragogus (Λαφυραγωγος)—marauder. Gender feminine.

Note. Vsevolod V. Gussakovskij designated a new genus “ Eremastata ” with a new species “ sulphurea ” but never published it ( Fig. 23 View FIGURES 18–23 ). The species is here described as Asphaleia gussakovskii .