Hermierella, THIAUCOURT, 2015

19. HERMIERELLA THIAUCOURT, 2015 View in CoL

Hermierella Thiaucourt, 2015 View in CoL . Type species: Hermierella boyaca Thiaucourt, 2015 View in CoL , Bull. Soc. ent. Mulhouse, 20 J 5 – 71 (4): 65–67.

Adults. Head: male antennae bipectinate to basal half; antennal tuft absent; third segment of labial palpi short. Wings: male 20 mm; forewings elongate, outer margin rounded in continuity with the anal margin, tornus barely marked; absence of tooth on anal margin; hind wings rounded, accessory cell present. Male terminalia: eighth tergite with a midplate, eighth sternite well sclerotized with a U shape; SSO absent; costulae absent, uncus bifurcated, socii short with erect snake fangs-shape; juxta with a hexagonal shape, costa of the valvas with prominent processes (valvae shape reminiscent of peace lily flowers’ spathe ( Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum View in CoL [Liebmann] )). Aedeagus curved with a narrow, highly sclerotized distal part; a bulbous tip can be found in the middle.

Diagnosis. Unique shape of the processes of the valva, which have a “peace lily flower” ( Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum ) spathe shape.

Comments. The genus is named after Bernard Hermier. The original description of the genus and single species with genitalia figures can be found in Thiaucourt (2015). We are uncertain as to the subfamily placement of Hermierella and treat its assignment to Nystaleinae as preliminary until we can examine specimens. Thiaucourt (2015) compared this genus to Bahaia and Pentobesa (= Nycterotis ), and indeed the genitalia are quite similar to some Nycterotis .

Distribution. Colombia.

Species included (1).

Hermierella boyaca Thiaucourt, 2015 View in CoL *