Monobazus sikkimensis, VIRAKTAMATH & WEBB & YESHWANTH, 2025

Monobazus sikkimensis sp. nov.

Figs 5K–N View FIGURES 5 , 10 View FIGURES 10 AB, 45A–H

Diagnosis. This species is externally similar to M. confuscus but differs in the following combination of characters: male pygofer more or less quadrangular, 1.25 as long as wide at base in lateral view, ventral process arising at base of posterior margin and attaining dorsal margin, posterodorsal lobe bilobed; aedeagus dorsally directed and curved anteriorly near apex, ventral process arising in distal 0.66 region, longer than shaft, aedeagal shaft apical region flared.

Description. Coloration as in M. confuscus , face a little darker in male with paler markings compared to female. Forewing venation and dark brown markings much bolder in male compared to female.

Head slightly wider than pronotum. Crown conically rounded, 0.9× as long as interocular width. Pronotum 2.2–2.3× as wide as long, shorter than exposed mesonotum.

Male genitalia. Male pygofer more or less quadrangular, with posterodorsal margin bilobed, 1.25 × as long as wide at base in lateral view, ventral process arising at base of posterior margin directed dorsally and reaching dorsal margin ( Figs 45 View FIGURES 45 AB). Subgenital plate broad at base, well-sclerotized for most part, with very small, narrow membranous area with a few hair-like setae, macrosetae confined to sclerotized part, 3× as long as basal width. Style apophysis tapering apically and directed laterally. Connective with stem shorter than arms. Aedeagus with shaft thin, long, directed posterodorsally and curved anteriorly near apex, ventral process arising at midlength, longer than shaft.

Measurements. Male 3.9 mm long, 1.0 mm wide across eyes and 0.9 mm wide across posterolateral angles of pronotum. Female 3.9 mm long, 1.1 mm wide across eyes and 1.0 mm wide across posterolateral angles of pronotum.

Material examined. HOLOTYPE ♂, INDIA: Sikkim: 10 Km W. Ranipool, 1516m, 6.vi.2005, C.A. Viraktamath ( UASB) . PARATYPE 1♀, same data as for holotype( UASB) .

Etymology. The specific epithet (sikkimensis, -ense) refers to the Indian state of Sikkim where the species lives.

Remarks. This species is unique among Monobazus in having a bilobed posterior margin of the pygofer and very short appendage of the subgenital plate.