Sungaya Zompro, 1996

Genus Sungaya Zompro, 1996 View in CoL

Differentiation. – This genus is most closely related and morphologically most similar to Trachyaretaon , with which it shares the inflated and conically raised vertex and lack of metasternal pseudo-foramina ( Fig. 71 H-L). The most notable difference between Sungaya and Trachyaretaon is represented by the egg morphology, with eggs of Sungaya being much more rounded and globose with the polar area obtusely protruded and the anterior portion of the capsule constricted, thereby resembling the eggs of Obrimus ( Fig. 73 R-U). The insects are morphologically difficult to separate but both sexes of Sungaya may be recognised by their generally slenderer shape and relatively longer body segments, comparatively longer mesothorax (> 2.5x longer than prothorax in ♂), which in ♀ is less distinctly trapezoidal in dorsal aspect than in Trachyaretaon and has the widened posterior portion at best 2x wider than the anterior margin, as well as the lack of a pair of medials on the metanotum and comparatively longer and more delicate limbs. Females also have the ovipositor rather straight in lateral aspect, while it usually is ± up-curved in Trachyaretaon .

Remarks. – Originally, the genus was described from the ♀ and egg only (Zompro, 1996). The ♂ was described by Lit & Eusebio (2008) based on specimens from Mount Cayapo, Bataan Province that were thought to represent the type-species S. inexpectata . Subsequently, specimens of Sungaya were collected from different localities throughout the island of Luzon and sampled in a molecular approach that aimed to clarify relationships within Obriminae ( Bank et al., 2021) . This study has shown that there were at least three distinct species within Sungaya and that the ♂ described as that of S. inexpectata by Lit & Eusebio (2008) and referred to as Sungaya sp.2 (Limay “Lowland”) by Bank et al. (2021) was not conspecific with inexpectata but likely to representa fourthspeciesthatmight be the sister species of whatishere described as S. aeta n. sp .. Morphological re-examination of the different populations of Sungaya support the aforementioned molecular data with the result that three new species are described herein. This however excludes the specimens from MountCayapo, Bataan Province described by Lit & Eusebio (2008) because these were not available for examination.There seems to be another as yet undescribed speciesfrom Baguio, Benguet Province, of which pictures have been shown in the internet by Adryn Nebrida, which is notably stockier than all other known species and has quite strongly developed cephalic, thoracic and abdominal armature. It is believed that a formal description is in progress. Dräger (2013) presented information on the culture history, captive breeding and intraspecific variability. The numerous citations of Sungaya may be referred to in the Phasmida Species File (http:// Phasmida .SpeciesFile.org).

Distribution. – Philippines, endemic. So far recorded only from Luzon and believed to be endemic on that island.

Species included

1. Sungaya aeta n. sp.

Distribution: Luzon.

2. Sungaya dumagat n. sp.

Distribution: Luzon.

3. Sungaya ibaloi n. sp.

Distribution: Luzon.

4. Sungaya inexpectata Zompro, 1996: 450 , figs. 1-3.

Distribution: Luzon.